Week 1, Term 3 - 2025
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
Welcome to Term 3; we hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break and is ready for the learning, spirituality and joy that awaits us throughout Term 3.
This week we celebrated NAIDOC Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the rich culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This annual observance is not just a week; it's a profound opportunity for all Australians to reflect, learn, and come together in unity.
This year's theme is "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy." This theme celebrates the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week and acknowledges the achievements of the past while looking forward to the future, emphasising the role of the next generation who will continue to shape our nation.
Throughout NAIDOC Week, students engaged in meaningful conversations, attended events, and were immersed in Indigenous art, music, dance, and storytelling. Together, let's honour NAIDOC Week, as we strive towards a future of unity, respect, and reconciliation.
NAIDOC Week - 2025
Sporting News
2025 Zone Athletics Carnival
All the best to the following students who will represent St James at the Zone Athletics on Friday, August 1st.
Harley B, Hudson B, Shivvy BL, Xavier B, Rafael B, Sophie C, Jed C, Violet C, Penny C, Max C, Grace C, Lennox C, Rosalie D, Emilia DS, Lucia DS, Ted E, Tahlia F, Jake G, Lacey G, Hype G, Ezekiel I, Sonny L, Jake M, Archer M, Emme M, Isla M, Elspeth M, Lucy O, Maya PM, Archie R, Grace R, Makario R, Ollie SB, Brooklyn S, Sohana S, Luca S, Charlie T, Jessica VG, Ryder W, Hannah W, Liam W, Coen W and Tom W.
2025 Diocesan Primary Athletics Carnival - High Jump & Discus Application
Students wishing to compete in DISCUS and/or HIGH JUMP at the Lismore Diocesan Primary Athletics Carnival on Tuesday, 26th August, 2025 will be required to apply for the event. You must have endorsement from a Little Athletics Coach to apply to compete in these events. Please note: these events do not take place at a Zone level.
Please fill out this Google form using your child's Lismore email account login-
https://forms.gle/
(link can also be found on the Diocese of Lismore Sport website https://sport.lism.catholic.
It is vital that all information on the paper form be completed. Applications that are not endorsed by an accredited athletics coach will not be considered. Please do not complete the google form until you have a completed and signed paper form.
HIGH JUMP APPLICANTS ONLY:
If you do not complete the bottom section of the form, your child will not be able to use the Fosbury Flop technique at the Diocesan Championships.
Tweed Public Speaking
Recently, students self-nominated to enter the St James Public Speaking event; we congratulate all of the students who participated in this; they all did an amazing job, showing courage and skill to speak in front of an audience. A selection of students will represent St James at the Tweed Public Speaking event on Thursday, 7th August. We wish them all the best.
- Early Stage 1: Jaego C and Sebastian Y.
- Stage 1: William B and Michael B.
- Stage 2: Charlie O and Hannah W.
- Stage 3: Violet P and Elspeth M.
Game Show Live!
Get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and friendly competition at this year’s adults-only parent and community event – Game Show Live! This interactive trivia show promises a fantastic evening of entertainment.
We’re aiming for 100 guests to ensure the night is a success – and we’re nearly there! If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, now’s the time.
Don’t miss out – click the link below to secure your spot and join us for a night to remember!
Uniform Shop / Playgroup
Playgroup Update
We’re excited to share that from Thursday, August 7th, our school playgroup will now be held each Thursday afternoon from 1:45pm to 2:45pm here at school. There’s no need to book — simply come along whenever it suits your family. We kindly ask that a parent or carer remains with their child for the entire session.
Please note: There will be no playgroup on Monday, July 28th, due to the Yandihndi celebration.
Uniform Shop – New Opening Hours
With the change to playgroup times, the School Uniform Shop will now be open at the following times, effective Monday, August 4th:
Monday: 8:00am – 10:15am
Thursday: 8:00am – 10:15am
Thank you for your support as we continue to align our services to best support our school community.
Assistant Principal Appraisal
During Term 3 on September 9th, [Assistant Principal Mission: Mrs. Karen Sanderson] will be involved in an Assistant Principal appraisal process as part of the contract conditions with the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools.
The appraisal process seeks information from a variety of people associated with the school. The process aims to highlight the positive aspects of the Assistant Principal’s performance and identify areas for further development. A timeline will be constructed to suit the needs of the school community. A panel consisting of the school Principal as Chair and a Regional Assistant Director from the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools will conduct the appraisal.
The full Assistant Principal appraisal process involves:
- a survey and self-appraisal statement completed by the Assistant Principal
- surveys of school staff and Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools personnel
- Input by the Principal
- input as arranged with the Parish Priest
- interviews with school staff
- interviews with any parents who wish to present
- a formal interview with the Assistant Principal by the panel
Any parents who wish to make contact with the panel are welcome to do so by contacting the Principal before the appraisal date. Please note, not all those that wish to be interviewed may be accommodated. Thank you for your support of the school’s leadership team.
Celebrating Excellence in Teaching: Jo Pickett Achieves HALT Accreditation
We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding professional achievement of Mrs Jo Pickett, who has recently been accredited as a Highly Accomplished Teacher (HALT) through the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
HALT accreditation recognises teachers who demonstrate highly effective, innovative, and exemplary classroom practice. It is a rigorous process that involves evidence of impact on student outcomes, leadership within the profession, and a deep commitment to ongoing professional learning. Jo has excelled in all these areas, and her accreditation is a testament to her dedication, skill, and passion for education.
At St James, this recognition is more than just an individual milestone — it is a celebration of our collective commitment to excellence. Jo’s leadership enriches our staff culture, supports teacher growth, and most importantly, positively impacts student learning every day. Her work exemplifies the kind of high-impact teaching that helps students thrive in both their academic and personal development.
As a Catholic educator, Jo lives out her vocation through service, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. Her HALT journey has not only been about refining pedagogy, but also about nurturing the whole child in line with the Gospel values that guide our mission. Through her example, Jo reminds us that teaching is not just a profession, but a calling — one that forms hearts as well as minds.
We congratulate Jo on this significant accomplishment and thank her for her ongoing contribution to the life of our school. We are blessed to have her as part of our St James ‘Family in Christ’.
Term 3 Dates & Events
Please note the following events/dates scheduled for Term 3.
- July 28th: Yandihndi whole school retreat.
- August 1st: Tweed Zone Athletics.
- August 9th: Adults only event [Game show live].
- August 14th: Parent Community Group Meeting [7pm].
- August 15th: Feast of the Assumption Mass.
- August 21st: School Spectacular [High School Musical Junior - 6:30pm].
- August 22nd: Pupil Free Day.
- August 26th - 28th: Learning Conferences.
- September 1st - 5th: Father's Day Stall.
- September 4th: Confirmation.
- September 5th: Father's Day Event.
- September 5th: Stage 3 Gala Day.
- September 11th: R U Ok Day.
- September 26th: Grandparent's Day and Book Week Dress Up Day.
- September 26th: Final Day of Term 3.
Please note our pupil-free days for 2025:
- August 22nd, November 13th & 14th, and December 18th & 19th.
Please note the Parent Community Group Meeting dates for 2025:
- August 14th & November 6th (7pm - MPC).
Thumbs-up
- All students for returning to school positively.
- Our maintenance crew who worked tirelessly during the break to ensure our learning environment was beautiful.
- All involved in our NAIDOC Week celebrations.
- Holly and Andrew Ennever for using their drone to take the aerial photo of students making the word HOPE.
To conclude
As we continue to walk together in this Catholic Jubilee Year of Hope, we are invited to follow the message of Jesus – a message grounded in love, renewal, and hope.
On Monday, July 28th, we will hold our spirituality retreat, Yandihndi – an indigenous word meaning to accompany, take along, and go with. This beautiful gathering, Yandihndi 25, will be a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect, and be inspired by the hope we are called to live and share.
Parents are warmly welcome and encouraged to attend – we’d love you to join us. Please see the flyer below for full details.
Together, let's celebrate, sing and pray, so:
“The God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
— Romans 15:13
With blessings,
Nic.
Upcoming events
Please note the following upcoming events......
Parenting support & learning
Please note the following parenting supporting & learning items.....
NSW CCSP Parent Conference
Please advertise the NSW Council of Catholic School Parents' upcoming conference to your parent community by including the following information on your communication platforms.
NSW CCSP Parent Conference
The NSW Council of Catholic School Parents are hosting a special 30-year anniversary Parent Conference in Sydney. Keynote speakers include Justin Coulson, Michelle Mitchell and Daniel Principe. Conference tickets cost $30, and parents/carers need to arrange their own travel and accommodation in Sydney. For more information and to book, go to https://www.ccsp.catholic.
Courses for Parents: ADHD and Autism
Schools might like to advertise the following courses for parents, which are freely available on the OLT platform in their school newsletter.
ADHD: This short course was developed with the help of Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia (PAAA). This course is aimed at supporting the parents and carers of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Other people may also find it helpful, such as other relatives, teacher assistants, and teachers.
Autism: This short course is directed at parents and carers of children with autism. Other people may also find it helpful, such as other relatives, teacher assistants, and teachers.
Parents of children who’ve been identified on the autism spectrum have been interviewed to identify the issues that concern them the most. This is reflected in the videos throughout this short course.
Please find more information about the courses on the OLT platform linked here.
Other information
Please note the following additional information.....