Newsletter 19 June 2024
Principal's Message
Over the past few weeks, much assessment and analysis of results has taken place. This has been in the form of formal assessment, Program Support Meetings and continued observation and annotation by staff of student learning.
I thank the staff for the hours and hours spent writing reports, the time taken to moderate work and discernment of data.
This weekend, several of our Year Six students begin their journey towards the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Several years ago Pope Francis said the following in relation to the significance of Confirmation:
"The gift of the Spirit is communicated through the laying on of hands and anointing with sacred chrism. Saint Paul sheds lights on the meaning of these sacramental signs when he says that “God… has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts” (2 Cor 1:21-22). Sealed with the Holy Spirit, we are configured more closely to Christ and strengthened to bear witness to him in our world. May each of us grow in gratitude for the gift received at our Confirmation and open our hearts ever more fully to the creativity of the Spirit who makes all things new."
Staffing Update - 1/2 JD
We have been fortunate to be one of the Local Government Areas identified as being able to access funding for the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) initiative. Julieanne will be stepping into this role in Term 3 and will continue to build relationships with children and families in her gentle, compassionate and empathetic way.. Julieanne will be taking up this role on Thursdays and Fridays, commencing week one term three.
To support the ongoing, uninterrupted learning for 1/2JD, we have employed Alicia McGeorge to the two day position. Alicia is a very experienced classroom teacher and was the leader of her former school's whole school approach to positive behaviour support. In a similar way to Julieanne, Alicia has a very calm and nurturing disposition. Alicia will be spending time with the class as the term draws to a close as well as spending time with Julieanne to plan for term 3's learning.
Intentional time has been designated to both Julieanne and Alicia to ensure that they have the opportunity to collaboratively plan and discuss student progress.
I'm sure you share with me in congratulating both Julieanne and Alicia to their appointed roles.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
SPREAD THE WORD - OPEN MORNING AT ST JAMES
We are having an open morning from 9am - 1pm for any prosepective families who may wish to enrol at St James.
Kind Regards, Bec Kollaris
Religious Education News
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
Fun Food Friday
Parents and Friends News
Wacky Wednesday
Year 1/2 Scienceworks Excursion
Yesterday it was the F/1/2 excursion to Scienceworks. First we watched a weather show and then split up into groups of two. We went to play games like a game where you had to jump off and on the box then you checked your heart rate and there was a game that you can see how high you can jump and I thought it was so so so so so so so fun for me!
I had the best day ever!
By Ava
Yesterday F/1/2 went on an excursion to Scienceworks. When we got there we had our fruit. After that we got to see the lightning show. They taught us about the weather and lightning. Then we set off in two separate groups. I was in Mrs Hermann’s group. After that I tested how high I can jump. My highest record is 263cm. At the end I built my very own car the colour of it was red and the wheels were like digger wheels, it had small wings and it also was electric. I also went on a snowboard and it moved underneath you and you had to stay on it. It was a very fun day!
By Isaac
On Monday F,1,2 had an excursion to Science works. F/1/2 went on a bus. I sat next to my mum Jessica on the bus. The bus went over the West Gate bridge to the other side of Melbourne. When we got to Science works we had our snack. Then we went to the lightning show and learned about the weather. Next, we split up into two groups and then we split up into even smaller groups with a parent helper. I was with my mum Jessica and my sister Sophie. First we went to the sports centre and we did lots there! We raced Cathy Freeman on a computer running track. Cathy Freeman won. It was the best excursion ever!
By Emma
From Year 6 JD
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.
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