Dear Parents and Carers,

This week we celebrated Catholic Schools Week—a time to honour the vibrant communities within our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. This week highlights the dedication of staff, the growth of students, and the shared mission to nurture each child spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically. Catholic education is about helping every student flourish and become the person God calls them to be, through learning that inspires both the heart and mind.

We have much to be proud of in our endeavours to provide our young people with a well-rounded education that meets their needs today and for their future. We are deeply grateful for our thriving community, where teachers, parents and parish come together in unparalleled levels of care providing safe, supportive and inclusive surroundings which nurture students’ wellbeing, confidence and hope for themselves.

In this Jubilee Year, we are blessed with opportunities to share the love of Jesus Christ and remind ourselves that growing in faith builds firm trust in God’s promises. It is our trust in God’s promises that fills us with hope—even in our darkest moments, God's faithfulness never fades.

We commenced Catholic Schools Week on Monday with a Liturgy in the Hall. A big thank you to all Mrs Miller, Teachers and students involved in preparing for this occasion. It was a chance for all to be thankful for the quality learning environment we have at St James’ and through our Diocese.

We pray a Catholic Schools Week Prayer together:

Loving God,

May the God of hope fill us with joy and peace

as together we guide and nurture the minds and hearts of the young.

May the God of hope grant us wisdom to live with truth, patience to lead with compassion, and faith to inspire with love.

May we always find strength in the mission to reflect Christ’s light in our days, and may our work bear lasting fruit in the lives of those we love and serve.

Amen.

I am pleased to share details about our upcoming Pupil Free Days, which provide valuable opportunities for professional development and reflection.

On Friday, our focus will be on Wellbeing, with a specially designed program led by the Grow Your Mind team. This day will offer staff insights and practical strategies for nurturing mental health, resilience, and emotional intelligence—essential components in creating a supportive and thriving learning environment.

On Tuesday, we shift our attention to reimagining Our School’s Mission and Vision Statement. This day will be dedicated to deepening our understanding of our core values and refining our shared purpose as a school community. Through collaborative discussions, we will explore ways to align our vision with the evolving needs of our students and educators, ensuring our mission remains inspiring and relevant.

These Pupil Free Days represent more than just time away from the regular school routine—they are opportunities to strengthen our collective commitment to education and growth. We look forward to these enriching experiences and the positive impact they will have on our school community.

Enjoy the extra long weekend!

Mrs Sonya Boslem
Principal