Welcome back to all our families and St James’ community. I hope you had a wonderful Easter and created some great memories with family and friends. It is great to be back at school and see all the children, I am looking forward to another productive and fun term ahead.

Burn2Learn

Stage 3 will participate in the Burn2Learn program facilitated by Dr Angus Leahy from the University of Newcastle. During week 1 the teachers worked with Dr Leahy and his team in terms of why the program was created and how best he can support us as teachers to deliver effective movement and skill breaks to the children. This week we were fortunate to have Dr Leahy back to collect data on the children and test their fitness. Stage 3 class will participate in 2x15 minute microlessons on Fundamental Movement Skills throughout the term.

PIVOT – Wellbeing Survey

This term we will continue with the PIVOT Wellbeing program via 5 short check in surveys for students in Year 3 – 6. These surveys take 1 minute to complete and will ensure our students have a voice and space to feel safe and to let someone know. The Check ins will occur every week for the next 5 weeks.

ICAS

We know our students are amazing, so we’re giving them the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents in the world-renowned ICAS competition this year.

What is ICAS?  

ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies.

Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.

To learn more about this year’s exciting ICAS competition, visit: (icasassessments.com/products-icas/)

How to participate in ICAS  

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please go to the Parent Portal to sign up to your chosen subject areas using the link and code below.  

Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 28 July at 11:59pm.

This year, our students can elect to sit the following assessments:

Please note, we cannot facilitate refunds or make alterations as all money is paid directly to ICAS Assessments.

Read the terms and conditions here: (icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf).  Please see further information regarding ICAS given as an attachment below. 

Have a wonderful weekend and happy Mother’s day to all our Mother’s and motherly figures!!