Dear Parents and Carers,

Last week we welcomed the leadership team from the Catholic Schools Office and the Diocese shared services team. The purpose of the visit was to carry out an annual school visit. This visit focus’ on whole school improvement. The day was extremely positive, and the feedback was very affirming and a credit to all staff. Throughout the day the executive team spoke about the school’s achievements in Religious Education and the range of spiritual and formation experiences the children take part in. There was also emphasis on the school learning and wellbeing focus areas of Mathematics and PBL. In 2024 our Mathematics focus is tracking well. The panel were very impressed to see and hear about what is happening in the classroom. Our teachers are collaborating to create quality learning and assessment experiences for all students. The teachers have taken on many ideas and strategies from the professional learning provided by Rob Vingerhoets, Maths educator and facilitator who visited our school last Monday. This week our students have had a wonderful time interacting with the range of Mathematics equipment provided by the World of Maths incursion in the Hall.

Our second School Improvement focus is (PBL) Positive Behaviours for Learning. In today's educational landscape, creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment is paramount. This proactive strategy emphasises teaching and reinforcing desirable behaviours, fostering a culture where students feel valued, engaged, and motivated to learn. St James’ has been a PBL school since 2022 when clearly defined behavioural expectations were established. This year our school focus is to refine and improve our current school practices in all areas. During our visit with the Diocesan representatives, we discussed our priorities for this area and support required from our Education Officers. To ensure that parents and carers have the opportunity to be informed about PBL, a parent information session has been organised for Monday, 24^th June from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. This meeting will be held in the school library. Parents and carers are encouraged to attend.  

Several weeks ago the Tell Them From Me Survey opened to our school community. We encourage all families to complete this survey by Friday, 14^th June. Your feedback is very important to us and vital for school improvement planning.

Enjoy the long weekend,

Mrs Sonya Boslem
Principal

This Sunday’s gospel is from  Mark 3:20-35

“Then he went home; and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, ‘He has gone out of his mind.’ And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.’ And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.

‘Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin’— for they had said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’
Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother’”.

Passages such as this remind us that the world-view shared by Jesus and his critics was very different from ours. We may need to ask for grace to understand how the story is relevant for us today. Always remember that Mark (and the other evangelists) is trying to explain who Jesus is and what it means to call him Saviour. That is the heart of the gospel.

Friday Parish Mass – 9:15am at St Philip’s

Week 7: 14^th June-Year 2

Week 8: 21st June-Year 6 and Kinder

We would love to have you join them if you are able.

Religious Education

What’s happening in Year 2?

This term Year 2 are leaning about The Story of the Catholic Community.

This module explores the story of the Catholic community. It focuses on key events, people and groups that have shaped the identity and growth of this community both over time and today. The module assists students to recognise what it means to belong to the Catholic community as the people of God. It will also develop the students' understanding and appreciation of some significant characters and events that have shaped the identity and growth of the Catholic community in Australia. As part of this module, they will learn about the early Church communities in Australia and contemporary Australian Catholic communities. 

Year 2 made a Graffiti Wall of the Who, What, Where, When and Why of the early Church. As they learn more throughout the module, they will add and take away ideas.

What’s Happening in Year 3?

This term Year 3 are learning about Encountering the Word of God

In this module, students explore the notion of story: their own and other peoples, and the great Christian story that is the Bible.  This module also develops the concept of the Bible as sacred, telling us about God and God’s relationship with people. There will be a particular focus on stories about God and his relationship with people in the Hebrew Scriptures.  Students will also focus on the importance of praying with the Scriptures as a way of encountering God and building a relationship with Him. Specifically, students will be introduced to the experience of Lectio Divina as a way of reflecting on God’s Word. 

What is Lectio Divina?  Lectio divina is a contemplative practice with its Christian roots in the Benedictine tradition. It combines slow, conscious reading of a sacred text with contemplation and silent prayer. It is meant to promote communication with God and a deeper knowledge of Christ, in our lives today. This can be undertaken individually or communally.

Patricia Miller
Religious Coordinator

As the weather turns cooler and the days grow shorter, our school continues to be a beacon of warmth and learning for our students. Despite the chill outside, our classrooms are bustling with activity as children enthusiastically immerse themselves in a myriad of subjects and projects. It's truly heartwarming to witness their dedication and joy as they explore new concepts, collaborate with peers, and unleash their creativity across all grade levels.

ICAS

We have had a wonderful response from families regarding the ICAS opportunities offered for students during August. These assessments are open to students in grades 3 – 6.

So 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 online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.

How to participate in ICAS  

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:  

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (com/products-icas/) 
2. Read the Privacy Collection Statement below.
3. Read the terms and conditions here: (com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf) 
4. Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here: (icasassessments.com/pages/pps)  
5. Enter our school’s access code –VSP042
6. Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, then proceed to payment.  

The parent code for all subjects Years 3-6 is below:

Your school access code is: VSP042

Your parent page link is: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

I have included a timetable with dates of the ICAS assessments. This may help when entering your child. And a ‘How to” instruction page to make it easier.

BYOD Information Evening

This week the school held a Yr 4 BYOD information evening to support parents before their child begins the BYOD program in Term 3. My thanks to Mrs Taylor and Mr Newman from the CSO who ran the evening.

Take care and enjoy the weekend.

Mrs Debra Petersen
 Assistant Principal

AFL

Last Wednesday, students from Years 5 and 6 attended the AFL Paul Kelly Cup. Both teams played 4 games and are to be commended for their sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude. Thank you to our parent helpers and those who cheered our teams on throughout the day.

PSSA Basketball

Congratulations to Evie M and Geneveive L who, as part of the Polding Team, finished 2^nd at PSSA Basketball Championships. They were undefeated in 9 games, then lost the final to Sydney East by 2 points.

Evie was named in the NSW State Team, she is only 1 of 10 girls selected out of 140 girls across the state! Super exciting for Evie and our school community.

Well done girls! We are proud of you!

Cross Country

Congratulations to our Polding Cross Country Championship runners. Wil M showed determination and talent to come in 2nd, which will take him to the State titles. Evie L ran beautifully and came in 29th. What an outstanding effort from them both. Well done!

Mrs Tegan Fry and Miss Renee Pettet
Sports Organisers

Library Borrowing weeks 6 and 7 

Mondays - Year 3

Tuesdays - Year 1, Year 2 and Year 5 Blue

Wednesdays - Year 4, Year 6 White and Year 5 Blue

Thursdays - Kindergarten and Year 6 Blue 

Please also note that borrowing is available every Friday at recess.

St James' Goes Digital

A few years ago our St James School Library was updated to a digital borrowing system called Oliver. One of the great features of Oliver is that it allows the borrowing of E- Books through the St James School Library. The Oliver based collection has thousands of E-Books available for St James students to borrow. This is done through the SORA app which you need to download.

The process for this is available below.

Anyone needing assistance to access Oliver or Sora can contact me via email: christopher.coleman@mn.catholic.edu.au

It is that time of the year again when we ask for your assistance in helping others. The Year 6 Social Justice team are encouraging everyone to contribute to this year’s Winter Appeal, to help support local families during this time. On Wednesday 26th June, in return for donating an item of food, children can wear their pyjamas to school.

The Social Justice team will be collecting donations from the classroom up until June 27th. St Vincent de Paul will then sort the items into hampers to be delivered to local members of the community.

Please see the list below for the items being asked for each class:

We have already seen a drop in temperature and this year especially, there are many people who will not have items to keep them warm through the cold. If you are able to donate any of the following, please drop them into the school office and we will pass them on to St Vincent de Paul for distribution to those in need:

• blankets
• hoodies or jumpers
• beanies
• socks

A couple of points to note when donating items:

• To uphold the dignity of those receiving the goods, please ensure that all food items are not due to expire for 6 months. All items must be non-perishable.
• Look out for packaged food with a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or above. The more stars, the better!
• Clothing needs to be new or as new condition.

Thank you in advance for your kind support.

Year 6 Social Justice Team

Book Club News

Issue 4 of Book Club went home this week. The due date for orders is Friday 14th June. All orders must be placed through LOOP online; no orders are to be sent into the school. Below is a link explaining how to use LOOP.

· Value Items in Issue 4:

· #011 Stunt Kid Seriously Stacks It! $3

· #101 Pig the Pug $3

· #201 Zoo Crew $3

· #276 Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous: Puzzles to Go $3

· #401 Our Race for Reconciliation $3

If anyone has questions or concerns about the ordering process, please do not hesitate to drop into the library (Mon/Tues/Wed) or contact me: sueanne.churches@mn.catholic.edu.au

Sue-Anne Churches

Library Assistant and Book Club Co-ordinator

The Spelling Bee finals will be held in our school hall, next Tuesday 7th June at the below times:

9:00am – Stage1  (Year 1 and Year 2)

9:30am - Stage 2 (Year 3 and Year 4)

10:00am – Stage 3 (Year 5 & Year 6)

10:30am – Kinder 

Thank you to our parents for the support and value that you place on your child being at school each day. Regular school attendance plays a critical role in ensuring that every student has access to the same learning opportunities. When students are not at school, are late to school or leave school early, they are missing out on so much that can impact on their future learning.

The following Attendance Guidelines are based on current legislative requirements, research on attendance and best practice.

✔ Attendance affects a child’s academic achievement and their overall wellbeing.

✔ There is NO safe threshold of absence – everyday counts.

✔ School attendance patterns are established early in a child’s schooling

 ✔ The effects of school absenteeism accumulate over time and affect children’s development now and into the future.

✔ Daily punctuality is important. The early part of each day is critical. Important learning is scheduled during this time when children are rested and receptive. Key concepts are built up in the time.

✔ Sporadic absences can affect academic achievement as much as absences over consecutive days.

✔ We ALL need to work together with our children’s best interest in mind to ensure that students are at school every day that they are well enough to attend.

Compass Unexplained Absences

Unexplained absences are required to be explained within 7 days of the absence on Compass. A weekly email will be sent to parents to alert of any unexplained absences that can be updated on Compass. Please note that if the absence is longer than 7 days, the absence is then unable to be explained by parents or school.

School Fees

A reminder to parents that have elected to pay their 2024 School Fees in full annually, the payment is due by 30th June.

Uniform Shop

Second Hand Uniforms along with a limited supply of new uniforms are available from the Uniform Shop on a Thursday from 8:20am - 8:50am. If you are unable to visit the Uniform Shop at that time, please email the items you would like and if available the items will be sent home on a Thursday.

Complaints and Grievances

There has been Food Safety Changes for all school canteens. If you are a volunteer in the school canteen, can you please follow the below link to ensure compliance of the new NSW Government Food Authority Standard 3.2.2A.

https://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/retail/school-canteens

Playgroup

Congratulations to Leo C in Kindergarten and his family on the safe arrival of a baby Jack.

If you have any exciting news we would love to share this with our school community. Please let the office know by email at admin@kotarasouth.catholic.edu.au