Week 7, Term 3 - 2025
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
This week we congratulate and celebrate our Year 3 students Evelyn B, Ollie B, Tessa B, Wynter B, Chloe C, Sylvie C, Annah D, Matteo DS, Seth F, Laney G, David H, Chloe J, Adrian K, Sonny L, Henry L, Zoe R, Harvie R, Oliver S, Poppy S, Victoria T, and Elliot W, who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. This special step in their faith journey marks the deepening of their baptismal grace and the strengthening of their bond with the Holy Spirit. It was a beautiful occasion that reflected the commitment of our children, the support of their families, and the guidance of their teachers and parish community.
Confirmation calls us to be witnesses of Christ in our world—living out the gifts of the Spirit in kindness, courage, and service. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, our newly confirmed students remind us that hope is found in the hearts of the young, and in the ways they are called to bring light, joy, and peace to others.
May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire them to walk in faith and to share Christ’s love wherever they go.
Learning Conferences
A big thank you to all parents, staff, and students for your engagement in our Term 3 Learning Conferences. These meetings are such a valuable opportunity to come together as a learning community, celebrating the progress of each child and setting clear goals for the term ahead.
The purpose of our conferences is to:
Strengthen the partnership between home and school
Provide students with a voice in their learning journey
Reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for growth
Set shared goals that support each child’s wellbeing and learning success
The outcomes of these conversations go beyond academic progress—they help students build ownership of their learning, foster confidence, and ensure that teachers and parents are working side by side to support them. We are grateful for the time and commitment shown by all families and staff, and we know the children benefit greatly from these shared efforts.
NSW Netball Cup & Zone Athletics
Congratulations to Finn B, Lua C, Elspeth M, Gabriella M, Carter N, Spencer N, Lucy O, Grace R, Kairo V, Zoe A, Catelyn C, Mila D, Chelsea G, Jake M, Sienna N, Evie P, Sophie R, Aluna S, Jessica V, Ruby B, Penny C, Asha M, Niamh O, Bella P, Winter S, Sophie W, Hannah W, Peyton W, Adelyn A, Astyn A, Tessa B, Olivia E, Bella H, Charles O, Daya S, Mackenzie T, Victoria T, Savanna W, Evelyn B, Sylvie C, Grace C, Laney G, Zoe M, Isla M, India PS, Zoe R, Harvie R, Poppy S, Rykar B, Sophie C, Violet C, Lucia DS, Tahlia F, Ezekiel I, Maya M, Maya PM, Lainey W, Penny C, Evie C, Emilia DS, Makena D, Mikayla F, Zivah PM, Mia S, Andie S, Tully S, Summer S and Jacinta W who proudly represented St James at the NSW Netball Cup this week. The teams displayed outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, and determination throughout the day. Their enthusiasm on the court, encouragement of one another, and commitment to doing their best were wonderful to see.
Our students played 5 games against various schools in the Tweed area. Thank you to our competitive coaches who lead one of our senior mixed teams to victory; Mrs Von Mengersen and Mrs Everingham. Our competitive mixed team 'A' were undefeated; winning all 5 games over the course of the day. This team will be heading to Lismore to compete in the Primary Finals with hopes to make it to Sydney for the Schools Cup State Finals in November.
We also acknowledge and congratulate Harley B, Hudson B, Shivvy B, Xavier B, Rafael B, Sophie C, Jed C, Violet C, Penny C, Lennox C, Rosalie D, Emilia DS, Lucia DS, Tahlia F, 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, Junia R, Ollie B, Brooklyn S, Sohana S, Luca S, Charlie T, Jessica V, Ryder W, Hannah W, Liam W, Coen W and Tom W who represented our school at the Tweed Zone Athletics Carnival. Competing against students from across the region, our athletes demonstrated courage, perseverance, and great school spirit. Their efforts on the track and in the field events were matched by their encouragement of one another—a true sign of the St James way.
We congratulate the following students who made the Lismore Diocesan team to compete in Newcastle later this month. - Jed - Senior Long Jump; - Emi - Junior 1500m; - Penny Junior Shot Put.
We are so proud of the way all our students represented our school with such positivity and spirit. A special thank you also to the staff and parents who supported the teams and athletes with training, organisation, and encouragement—it was a true community effort.
Well done to all involved on these excellent achievements!
Netball Cup & Zone Athletics
Excursions
Recently our Kinder and Year 1 students enjoyed a wonderful excursion to HOTA (Home of the Arts), while our Year 4 Girls took part in the Bike Education program. Both experiences are part of our excursion program, which is designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and provide students with rich opportunities to connect their learning to the wider world.
Kinder and Year 1 loved exploring the arts in an engaging and hands-on way at HOTA, sparking their creativity and curiosity. Our Year 4 students developed important skills in road safety, bike handling, and confidence through Bike Ed—a program that combines fun with practical life skills.
We are very proud of the way our students represented St James, showing excellent behaviour, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. Most importantly, they had a fantastic time while growing in knowledge and experience.
HOTA & Bike Ed
Wellbeing
At St James, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our students, families, and staff. Next week, we will be hosting two important initiatives that place connection, support, and community at the heart of our mission.
Services Expo – Tuesday, September 9
From 2:00–3:30pm we will host our Services Expo, an opportunity for parents and students to learn more about the wide range of community services available in our area. This is a wonderful chance to meet and network with the vital people and organisations who support families, health, and wellbeing in our community.R U OK? Day
On Friday, September 12, we will join schools and communities across the nation in recognising R U OK? Day. The focus of this day is to remind us all of the importance of checking in with our family, friends, and mates—not just on one day, but as an ongoing practice of care and connection.
Both initiatives reflect our belief that wellbeing grows when we look out for one another, seek support when needed, and nurture a culture of compassion.
School Uniform - Year 6 Polo Top
Each year, our Year 6 students have the privilege of wearing a unique polo shirt that celebrates their final year of primary school. This special shirt not only marks their graduation year but also sets them apart as school leaders—filling them with pride and excitement throughout the year.
While our current polo has served us well, its light colour has meant it often becomes difficult to keep looking fresh as the year goes on. With this in mind, we are introducing a new tradition beginning this year.
From now on, our Year 5 students will be invited to design the Year 6 polo using the supplier’s website. These designs will be submitted to the Principal, and the Year 5 cohort will then vote on the top options. The winning design will become the Year 6 polo for the following year.
This new process will continue each year, giving our students genuine ownership and agency in shaping this important symbol of their leadership and final year of primary school.
Term 3 Dates & Events
Please note the following events/dates scheduled for Term 3.
- September 9th: Services Expo [2pm].
- September 12th: R U Ok Day.
- September 19th: Stage 3 Gala 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:
- November 13th & 14th, and December 18th & 19th.
Please note the Parent Community Group Meeting dates for 2025:
- November 6th (7pm - MPC).
Thumbs-Up
- Students, parents and staff for engaging in the Term 3 Learning Conferences.
- Everyone who supported the Year 3 sacrament of Confirmation journey.
- Everyone who assisted with our Father's Day celebrations.
To conclude
As we come to the end of this week, we send our very best wishes to all the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our community as we celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday. Today, it was wonderful to share in our community breakfast at school—a special opportunity to honour the important role fathers play in the lives of our children.
We look to St Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, as a model of faith, humility, and devotion. Just as St Joseph guided and protected his family with love and strength, we give thanks for the fathers and father figures in our lives who do the same each day.
Loving God,
We give you thanks for the gift of our fathers.
Bless them with wisdom, patience, and strength,
that they may continue to guide their families with love.
May St Joseph watch over them,
and may they always find joy in the precious gift of fatherhood.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Happy Father’s Day!
With blessings,
Nic
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