Newsletter 09 August 2023
Principal's Message
On Tuesday, across Australia, we celebrated the Feast Day of Australia's first and only Saint; St Mary MacKillop of the Cross. St Mary played a pivotal role in the establishment of Catholic Education in Australia and New Zealand. She was an incredibly strong, courageous and determined woman, who for that time in Australia was met with much controversy. The Feast Day honouring Mary is particularly timely here at St James. Our Year Six students are preparing to celebrate their Confirmation. Part of this preparation is to choose a Saint who inspires them and take their name in recognition of this inspiration. It is also timely in that our RE Inquiry has been focusing on those who inspire us. I can't help but think that in Mary's unwavering attitude of respect and forgiveness and her willingness to advocate for the disadvantaged and most vulnerable that she is a fitting person of inspiration for us all.
Next year Andrew Chinn will be visiting St James. We use many of Andrew's songs in our Liturgies and assemblies. He has written a song, which has been made into a picture story book: Beneath a Cross of Stars, the link can be found at MAry MacKillop . Andrew is quoted for having made this statement about St Mary : “A pilgrimage in honour of Mary MacKillop can be a life’s journey. From our largest cities in Australia and New Zealand, to the smallest of country towns, you can walk the paths where she once trod as she fulfilled her dream and the work of God in establishing Catholic Education in these two countries. If we think of the life of Christ as a song, then surely Mary MacKillop played a significant role in the writing of our verse here in Australasia.” Andrew Chinn
On Monday and Tuesday, September 4 and 5, we have members from DOSCEL leadership team coming to carry out the 4 year Review of St James. This is an exciting time for our school as we celebrate our great accomplishments, review our strategic planning and begin developing plans which will then be reviewed in four years.
Reminder - school closure day Monday 14 August. DS Sports program available on this day, please contact DS Sports directly to make a booking.
As you are aware, the Year 3 and 4s will be on camp August 30 and 31. Their rest day will be September 1.
Last week, the P&F met to look at events and dates for term 3 and 4. Please note these dates with further information to come:
- Grandparents Day - August 25
- Father's Day celebration - Thursday September 7. We will begin with breakfast at 8.15am and then move to our Liturgy
- Free Dress Day - September 8. Mystery Jar donation for Family Fun Night
- Second-hand Uniform Shop - September 11 (am) September 12 (pm)
- Footy day- dress up in team colours with hotdogs provided for lunch - September 15
- Working Bee - October 8, 9am-12pm
- Family Fun Night - October 27
We also discussed plans for Book Week and it was decided that rather than dress up (given we have 2 free dress days this term), that we would have a really strong focus on the Shortlisted books, with various responses to these books designed to be memorable and engaging. Staff are in the process of organising class, year level and whole school activities to share our love of reading with the community. More details to follow. Thank you to our P&F for giving of their time to support our children and school.
Have a great week,
Bec
Religious Education News
Words of Inspiration from Mary MacKillop
“Find happiness in making others happy.” Mary MacKillop 1899
“Make no reserves with God. Reject no-one.
You never know what grace can do.” Mary MacKillop 1871
“Lean upon God.” Mary MacKillop 25/4/1873
Prayer
God of all blessings, you revealed in Mary MacKillop a sensitivity to the
rights and dignity of every person, regardless of race or creed.
May we learn from her to overcome fear and prejudice.
Help us to value the goodness of each person
and all the blessings of unity in diversity.
We ask this through the depth and unity of you, our bountiful God who holds
all things in being. Amen.
Mary, you lived from the heart of kindness,
You served the very poor and needy,
You bestowed dignity on all, pray for us.
Adapted from “St Mary of the Cross Litany”, Monica Brown
Winter Sport
This week 's Winter Sport - St James vs St John's
St John's - 172 Station Street, Koo Wee Rup
Students are to wear their sport uniform and those playing football must have a mouth guard to participate.
Winter Sport commences at 1pm.
There will be NO lunch orders for those participating in Winter Sport on Friday.
Fun Food Friday
From the Office
Current Fee Statements have been issued to all families. Thankyou to those who have made payment towards their school fees.
Please note, Term 1 and Term 2 fee payments are overdue and payable. Direct Debit arrangements can be set up at any time. Please contact the office to obtain a Direct Debit form.
If you are experiencing financial hardship please contact rkollaris@stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au to have a confidential discussion.
If you hold a Pension or Health Care card, please contact the office to obtain the relevant paperwork to be completed and returned. Eligibility will then be assessed and an applicaiton for assistance to reduce your school fees will be applied for.
Updating Details
Please ensure your contact details are current and up to date. This includes, contact numbers, email address, home/postal addresses and emergency contact details. If you need to update your information, please email office@stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au
Schoolzine App
This is an app that you have on your phone and allows for easy reading of the newsletter, as it customises to the screen and translates into many languages if required.
Please click the link below for the instructions on installing the app on your phone.
https://www.schoolzine.com/
As part of the installation, you will be required to enter the following 4 digit passcode -
3675
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions or queries.
School Bus Management System
Important update for students who are approved for travel on the School Bus Program: Upgrades
are being made to the School Bus Management System (SBMS).
To make this important change, the SBMS will be unavailable from COB Friday 5 May 2023 for a
period of time.
If you need help during this time, you can email the School Bus Program team on
schoolbus@education.vic.gov.au or call on 1800 338 663.