Week 9, Term 4 - 2023
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
This year we have ensured that the children’s learning journey and experiences in Catholic Identity and Faith have been at the forefront of our time together. We have provided a strong sense of community, which has fostered a greater sense of belonging for the children and gifted them with academic, social, and spiritual growth and opportunities to glow. We congratulate everyone for what we have achieved this year.
Our teachers and staff are privileged to know and love our students and to participate in their academic journey; they recognise and applaud just how hard their students try. They celebrate their students’ achievements whether they be great or small and they share with pride the progress they make with their learning. Our staff thank you for entrusting your children to our care.
As we close our year together we express our wishes of farewell to the families who will be moving on from our school and we thank them for the contributions they have made to our community. Particularly, we farewell our Year 6 students who have concluded their primary school years with St James and we thank them for their efforts and best endeavours that have been applied by each of them during their time here. Additionally, we farewell 3 staff members from our team: Mr. Zambelli, Mrs. Page & Mr. Smith. We thank them for assisting our children with their learning, for gifting our school with their talents, and for all they have achieved with our students and families in their time at St James. We wish all those leaving our school community joy and happiness as they enter new chapters in their lives.
As principal of St James Primary, I consider myself blessed to be leading our awesome school! The conclusion of this year marks the first full cycle of students going through St James from Kindergarten to Year 6 with me, which is such a privilege. I believe we have a unique place for students to live, learn, and grow in God's love, where being known, loved, and valued is central to the educational experience we provide. Thank you St James families for all you do for our school and for your ongoing support of my leadership, and I look forward to continuing the journey together as a 'Family in Christ' in 2024.
2023 memories
Commencing 2024
Please note the following arrangements for the commencement of the 2024 school year.
- Tuesday, January 30th: Teachers begin (Pupil Free Day).
- Wednesday, January 31st: Pupil Free Day (Staff only attend school)
- Thursday, February 1st & Friday February 2nd: Mathematics Assessment Interviews (Y1-Y6).
MAI assessments for current students can be booked via Compass.
- Monday, February 5th: First full day of school for Year 1-6 students (8:40am-3pm).
- Thursday, February 1st - Tuesday, February 6th: Beststart Kindergarten Interviews.
Beststart assessments for Kindergarten students can be booked directly through Compass.
- Wednesday, February 7th: First full day of school for Kindergarten students (8:40am-3pm).
After Kindergarten drop-off our Year 1 families will host a special welcome morning tea for Kindergarten families (Cheers & Tears); this will be held in the MPC at 9 am. Further information for Year 1 families will be sent early next year.
The updated parent handbook for 2024 will be published on the website next week. It contains all known information, dates, and events, along with information on the policies, structures, and operating procedures of the school. The parent handbook is located on the school website and I encourage all families to be familiar with this resource. (https://www.bpplism.catholic.edu.au/communication-reporting).
School Uniform
The holiday break is a typical time when families restock uniforms as children grow and develop, and lose things! To this end, the school uniform requirements are outlined in the parent handbook that is located on the school's website (https://www.bpplism.catholic.edu.au/communication-reporting). I remind everyone of the school's stance on school shoes; for both boys and girls, shoes must be fully black polishable leather (see example photo below); coloured markings, mesh, and/or canvas shoes are not acceptable, so before buying new shoes, please ensure you're familiar with the requirements. The school uniform shop is open next week on Monday (1pm-3.30pm) and Thursday (8.15am-10.15am), and will reopen in Term 1 with special extended hours on Thursday, February 1st & Friday, February 2nd (8am-1pm).
Awards - Week 10 Assembly
From this year we will be extending our end-of-year awards for students 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). 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 an 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 an 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.
Thumbs-up
We would like to thank the following people/groups for their support during the year:
- Fr Michael, Fr Wilber, Fr Michael, and Mrs Kathy Twohill for sharing their love of God and the Catholic faith with us.
- Mrs Sanderson and Mrs Cane for their outstanding leadership and support of everyone.
- The School Management Teams for assisting with the management of our school.
- The entire School Staff Team for their tireless work and dedication.
- The Grade Parent Representatives Erin Wass, Angela Sibley, Jess Baldwin, Janine Della-Sale, Chantel Webster, Shannon Turley, Anika Wazlawek, Jamie Millard, Flo Elineau, Bec Day, Casey Snart, Katrina Renwick, Lauren Neil, Jacinta Neville, Linda Dodds, Elaine Harriott, Kris Benjamin and all Parent Helpers who have actively ensured that our community enjoys celebrating together and providing the best available education for our children.
- The Canteen Conveners and helpers for feeding us and providing scrumptious food.
- All Parents and Friends of our school who have supported and promoted our school.
- And most importantly the children who enrich our school and make it a beautiful place of learning, joy, and faith.
To conclude
To our departing families and staff, I bid you a fond farewell, and for our returning staff, students, and families I look forward to strengthening my relationship with you and to journeying together through the 2024 school year.
This coming Christmas as we dash around town trying to find that perfect gift for someone, may we remember to spread the spirit of giving to everyone we meet, and on Christmas morning may we remember Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus who celebrated the first Christmas in Bethlehem. May the joy of Christmas and Christ’s love for us gently fill our hearts and homes, so that in this loveliest of seasons we may find many reasons for happiness.
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and I pray that our holidays are safe, festive, and joyous.
With blessings,
Nic.
