Newsletter 14 February 2024
Principal's Message
Yesterday we began our Lenten Journey towards Easter. During Lent, we focus on making changes so that we become better in ourselves, more thoughtful and compassionate of others and renew our relationship with Christ. We are also asked to think about how we can help and walk in solidarity with those in need. One way we do this is by supporting Caritas Australia.
For six weeks schools, Parishes, organisations and individuals are encouraged to donate to Caritas or give something up for Lent. All in the name of compassion in action.
This year's theme has been drawn from the story of the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-20.
One day, Moses’s sheep wander off and he suddenly encounters a bush that is burning but not consumed. God tells Moses that he has heard the cry of his people. God responds to injustice and chooses Moses to speak to Pharaoh. Moses is scared but God promises ‘I will be with you.’ All the time, God remains a mystery. Moses wants more detail, so God simply says that this is the same God who has been longing for justice for the whole of history: ‘By this name I shall be invoked for all future generations.’
As God called Moses, so now God calls us to work ‘for all future generations.’
In line with this theme, this year’s Project Compassion stories include Ronita, a 22-year-old mother of two in the Philippines. Ronita returned to school to complete her education with the help of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, securing a brighter future for her family.
There is also the story of Memory, who was selected by local leaders in her community in Malawi as a candidate for a vocational skills course. She now works for one of Malawi’s largest power companies and is a role model and trailblazer for other young women.
Supporters will also hear from Leaia who built her own home from recycled scraps and is better able to care for her five children, and regularly sends them to school, thanks to a new water tank that affords her a consistent water supply.
Kirsty Robertson, Caritas Australia CEO, said, “During Lent, we are invited to take up the call to fast, pray and give alms. From natural disasters to widespread conflict, the events of the past year mean that many communities need your support. Supporting Project Compassion is a way for us to proclaim the faith that is in our hearts and help our sisters and brothers in need.”
Those wanting to support Project Compassion can download resources or join a Mission in Action Webinar to learn more about Caritas Australia’s development programs at https://www.caritas.org.au/
Families will have received their project compassion boxes. We have spoken to children about 'fasting' and in doing so turned some of the focus from food to other treats such as screen time, suggesting they could perhaps give up (fast) some of this time to do a job around the house and earn money for communities who are not as fortunate as us. This is their service of solidarity in action.
Kind Regards, Bec Kollaris
Religious Education
Kind Regards, Julie Veldman
Parents & Friends News
AGM
Friday 16 February at 9.15am
Important Information
This year St James will be using two main platforms of communication with our families - PAM and Schoolzine.
To ensure that you keep up to date with what is happening with your children and within the school please ensure that you have access to these platforms and are familiar with their uses.
If you require assistance with accessing or setting up these platforms, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
From time to time it will also be necessary for emails and text messages to be sent.
Schoolzine App Installation Instructions:
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.
Accessing PAM Instructions:
Please use the below link to access your PAM account.
https://pam.stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au
The user name is the email you have provided to the school and if you have not logged on previously, you will be able to set a password.
If you require your password to be reset, please contact the school office.
Second Hand Uniform
If you have any St James Uniform that you no longer need, the second hand uniform shop is the place to take it to! We are specifically requiring bigger sizes of any items, however will take whatever you may have.
Fun Food Friday
Year 6 JD News
From the Office
School Fees
2024 School Fees have been raised to all family accounts and statements have been emailed (please check your junk/spam folder if not received).
Payment of fees can be made directly into the school account, via EFTPOS in the office, or via Direct Debit. Direct Debit arrangements can be set up at any time and include options for fortnightly, monthly or per term payments. Please contact the office to obtain a Direct Debit form.
Please ensure any outstanding fees are brought up to date or a payment arrangement is in place.
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 application 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
Community News
