Newsletter 13 March 2024
Principal's Message
Last week, Julie Veldman and I were privileged to attend a day of learning where the focus was on Interreligious Dialogue. The theme "Interreligious Dialogue is not a luxury, it is essential- especially now" is echoed in the words of Pope Francis who said "interreligious dialogue is not a luxury. It is not something extra or optional but essential, something which our world, wounded by conflict and divisions, increasingly needs." Dialogue is centered around us being open to learn about other faiths in genuine dialogue where listening is key. Living in the most multicultural country in the world, dialogue is essential for us. It doesn't make us 'less' Catholic. In fact it is the opposite; dialogue calls us to know our own faith in a deeper manner .
Christianity, Judaism and Islam all believe in the one, common God who has various names. All three Faiths, as every faith in the world, calls their faithful to be respectful, loving, compassionate, charitable and to care for creation. At the heart is the sacred dignity of every human being. We were fortunate that the Diocese invited two Rabbis to speak with us, and their message was clear, education is key to breaking down barriers and prejudices to create our world as one of acceptance, deep respect, tolerance and peace. As Catholic schools, we welcome this dialogue and it forms part of our curriculum.
This week fun food Friday opens dialogue with a focus on the Islam the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan began on Sunday with the first light of dawn commemorating the revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad. Throughout this month Muslims fast during daylight hours, celebrate an evening meal with family and friends, pray fervently and show charity to the poor. I look forward to Year 6 sharing their learning about Ramadan with us.
Thank you to parents who have indicated that they are able to help out on our Athletics Day next week. We're looking forward to a fantastic day and are hoping for perfect weather!
We have moved Ride to School Day to next term as we have Mass for Foundation, One, Two and Five. We also have several staff attending professional learning on the same day.
Have a great week, Bec
Religious Education
Kind Regards, Julie Veldman
Parents and Friends News
A friendly reminder to bring in your Easter Donations and Raffle ticket money by Monday 25 March.
Raffle will be drawn at Prayers and Picnics on Wednesday 27 March.
Fun Food Friday
First Aid Update
Some information for our new families and a reminder to our existing families on the process of first aid.
Students first point of call when hurt are to see the staff on duty or their classroom teacher. Staff will assess the student and if necessary send them to the sick bay.
If a student attends sick bay due to a head bump/knock, they will be monitored in sick bay. In the instance of a head knock parents will always be called, regardless if the student returns to play/classroom.
In the event of a serious incident staff will assess the student and if deemed required an ambulance will be called. The school does not provide student accident insurance or ambulance cover. Families are encouraged to obtain ambulance cover, depending on their health insurance arrangements and any other personal considerations.
If a student requires medication to be administered during school hours, a Medication Authority Form is required to be completed (this form can be found on Schoolzine and PAM) and handed to the school office along with the medication in its original packaging with the students name.
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.
DS Sports
