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- Principal's Report
- Religious News
- From the Assistant Principal
- School Calendar
- PBL
- From the Sports Desk
- From the Learning Hub
- Parent Information Session
- ASPIRE Young Scriptwriters Program - St James Superstars.
- Celebrating Our Public Speaking Champions!
- Friendly Reminder - Parking
- St James Uniform Requirements
- Attendance
- Good For Kids
- P & F News
- School Volunteer Christmas and International Volunteers' Week Invitation
- Office of Safeguarding
- SWAP IT!
- Notices
A PRAYER FOR WORLD TEACHER’S DAY
Giver of all wisdom and greatest of all teachers, look upon our teachers with love.
Grant them the resolve to nurture our eager minds and to never give up on us who fall behind.
Bless their hearts for they rejoice when we succeed and encourage us too when we fall, and bless them with gentle patience for the path of learning is never easy.
Kindle a spirit and passion in them, it is the flame that ignites the love of learning in us. Help them see the potential in each student, their belief in us means much more than the grade we make.
Instil in them a commitment to keep on learning, it shows us to not fear new knowledge and experiences. Inspire them to touch the future, they influence how big a dream we dream for ourselves.
Bless our teachers who have come before, for their work endures to this day. Let the light of your example shine upon all teachers:
• To build up with their words
• To love with their mind
• To share with their heart
Amen
Redemptorists, Bread4today
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Term 4! This Friday, October 25th marks a special occasion, World Teachers' Day! This day provides an opportunity to celebrate the incredible contributions of teachers and their unwavering commitment to shaping the future.
At St James’ Primary School, we recognise the vital role our educators play in nurturing curiosity, fostering creativity, and inspiring students every day. They not only impart knowledge but also instil values that last a lifetime. This year’s theme, " Hats off to Australia’s teachers this World Teachers’ Day!” celebrates Australia coming together to celebrate teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting students.
Much appreciation and a big thank you to all our educators. We thank them for their passion, dedication, and care they provide for the students at our school. Happy World Teachers' Day!
Last week we welcomed Mr Craig Moore from the Catholic Schools Office at our school. He worked with all staff on the PB4L framework and improving processes and procedures ready for 2025. The staff will continue to work on this throughout the term and look forward to launching our revised PB4L format for 2025. More updates to come in this area.
We have also opened our new playground and the new basketball hoops are a hit. A big thank you to the Diocese for their assistance with the playground. The children should be so proud of their design. Much appreciation to the P&F for their very generous donation of the funds to install the basketball hoops. The students are enjoying using these during class fitness and through play time.
During the holidays we also had new carpet installed in 3B, 4B & 4W. This has made a big improvement to these learning spaces. Next holidays Autex will be installed on the walls in these rooms.
Last week we welcomed back our new Kindergarten cohort for 2025. They had a lovely morning with Year 5 students in the Kindergarten rooms. We look forward to seeing our new Kinders next on 11th November.
It is great to finally have some warm, sunny weather and we have moved over to Summer School Uniform. It is important that all students have the correct uniform on each day. Please ensure that your child or children have correct items such as; socks, shoes, hair ties etc. A list of correct uniform requirements has been included in this newsletter. I thank you for your support in this matter.
Have a great week,
Mrs Sonya Boslem
Principal
This Sunday’s gospel is from Mark 10: 46-52
“They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
When we listen to Jesus as he spoke to Bartimaeus as he this passage, we hear him ask us the question “What do you want me to do for you?” Are we sometimes blind to what is going on around us, those things that we see and hear each day but do not really notice? Open your eyes in the morning and notice the sunshine, the beauty of a bright sunrise, the green of the trees or the array of colours in the flowers, the joy or sadness in the faces that surround you. Then, speak to Jesus with the courage of Bartimeus and ask for him to regain your sight and truly notice what is there every time we wake and travel through our day. How can we make a difference?
Religious Literacy in Year 3
This term Year 3 will be learning to be aware of God’s presence in their lives. They will learn about prayer as the "mysterious encounter", the listening and conversing, between God and people, and deepen their relationship with God and with others through prayer and liturgy. By the end of this module each child should be able to demonstrate the following Religious Literacy Components:
RELIGIOUS LITERACY COMPONENTS |
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Describe ways that God is present for people of faith. |
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Outline the Catholic beliefs about the Eucharist. |
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Recall the story of the Last Supper as the origin of the Eucharist. |
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Compare the story of the Last Supper with the celebration of the Eucharist. |
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Define and apply the terms: Eucharist, Holy Communion. |
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Make links between the Eucharist and Jesus. |
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Identify different ways that God is present to us in prayer. |
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Describe and engage with different ways of praying. |
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Communicate an understanding of the importance of the Eucharist. |
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Recall the meaning of the term ‘Emmanuel’ and how it relates to Jesus’ coming. |
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Identify how the people of God waited for Jesus’ coming. |
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Recognise that ’The Jesse Tree’ is used as a symbol in preparation for the coming of Jesus. |
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Identify special signs of Jesus’ presence at Christmas. |
Throughout the term you might like to talk to your child about what they have learnt about strengthening their relationship with God. A good way to start is to ask them what they talked about in Religion today/this week, remembering that these components will be part of the learning throughout the whole term.
Term 4 Liturgies and Celebrations
Friday Parish Mass:
Week 2: 25th October -Year 6
Week 3: 1st November (10:00am)-- Year 5 and Year 1
Week 4: 8th November Year 2
Week 5: 15th November -Year 3
Week 6: 22nd November -Year 6 and Kindergarten
Week 7: 29th November -Year 5 and Year 1
We would love to have you join us.
End of Year Mass: Wednesday 11th December 9:30am
Christmas Liturgy: Tuesday 17th December 9:30am
Mrs Patricia Miller
Religious Coordinator
Welcome back to school for the final term of 2024! It will be a fun term with lots of great learning, I am sure.
ICAS – Writing
Our final certificates have arrived! Well done to the following students:
Participation: Oliver F, Miles W, Jack B, Grace T
Merit: Bianca P
SchoolTV - Respectful Language
In today’s world, it is becoming apparent that some young people are being influenced by the language around them. It is becoming more common for them to hear derogatory terms or offensive language on the streets, on social media channels, streaming services and in some forms of modern music. Using disrespectful language is considered socially unacceptable and it is important to speak to our children about the importance of speaking respectfully.
The use of derogatory language or the act of swearing at someone, or about someone, is a form of verbal violence. At St James we do explain the importance of not swearing and to speak kindly and respectfully to each other. Parents and carers can also play an important role in enforcing this approach by proactively monitoring what their children are viewing or being exposed to and discussing the use of words or their origin. This can help prevent inappropriate or disrespectful language being used in the classroom, playground or other situations.
Whilst some students may use swearing or derogatory terms for attention seeking purposes, others may use it simply because they are still learning how to moderate their language. As young people develop their language skills, it is important for them to have a clear understanding of the impact of their choice of words on others and how their words can impact other people’s perspective of them - an important and essential skill to learn as our children grow up. If you would like to read more about this topic please visit the link below:
SPECIAL REPORT: Respectful Language | St James' Primary School - Kotara South
Enjoy some family time this weekend and take care.
Mrs Debra Petersen
Assistant Principal
| Wednesday 30th October |
Grade 5 Leadership Day Subway Lunch Orders |
| Friday 1st November |
Parish Mass Year 5 & Year 1 / 10:00am |
| Friday 8th November |
Parish Mass Year 2 / 9:15am |
| Saturday 9th November |
Parish School Mass 5:30pm - St Philip's Church |
| Monday 11th November |
Kindergarten Transition 9:30am - 11:00am |
| Thursday 14th November |
Diabetic Fundraiser |
| Friday 15th November |
Parish Mass Year 3 / 9:15am Central Regional Basketball Trials |
| Friday 22nd November |
Parish Mass Year 6 & Kindergarten / 9:15am |
| Thursday 28th November |
Kindergarten Transition 9:30am - 11:00am |
| Friday 29th November |
Parish Mass Year 5 & Year 1 / 9:15am Arts Performance at St Pius - Year 6 Diocesan Basketball and Tennis |
| Thursday 5th November |
Polding Cricket 2025 |
| Friday 6th December |
Parish Mass Year 4 / 10:00am |
| Wednesday 11th December |
Whole School End of Year Mass 9:30am Year 6 Farewell & Awards |
| Thursday 12th December |
Kindergarten - Year 5 Awards / 11:30am |
| Friday 13th December |
Swimming Carnival Year 1 - Year 5 Year 6 Motivate Sports Water Day |
| Tuesday 17th December |
Christmas Liturgy |
| Wednesday 18th December |
Year 6 Clap Out Student's Last Day |
Throughout Term 4 we will review each of our pillars-RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, RESILIENT. For the first 3 weeks we are looking at the pillar of RESPECTUL and continuing to learn how each of us can meet these expectations. At St James we are respectful when we consistently display the following expectations in our daily interactions with others:
- Listen to others
- Use friendly talk and actions
- Treat others fairly and equally
- Care for property and the environment
- Wear the correct uniform with pride.
PBL is for all people, all places, all the time.
Regional Sporting Trials
Over the next few weeks, children from St James will be attending sport trials around our region. On Tuesday, Ollie P (Yr 5), Jack B, Leo D and Miles W attended the regional cricket trials at Warners Bay. Congratulations to Jack B who was successful making the regional team. We are incredibly proud of the boys for their achievements.
On the 15th of November, Suni H, Wil M, Jaxon M and Drew Y will attend the regional basketball trials at Newcastle Basketball Stadium, Broadmeadow. We wish you all the best of luck!
Mrs Tegan Fry & Miss Renee Pettet
Sports Organisers
Book Club News
Issue 7 of Book Club went home last week. The due date for orders is Monday 28th October. 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 Books in Issue 7:
- #011 Excuse me, Santa! $3
- #201 Gigglers Christmas Jokes $3
- #305 Diary of a Minecraft Wolf – Player Attack $3
- #401 Paws, Claws & Jaws $3
If anyone has questions or concerns about the ordering process, please do not hesitate to contact me: sueanne.churches@mn.catholic.edu.au
Sue-Anne Churches
Library Assistant and Book Club Co-ordinator
Parents and carers webinar ‘Supporting healthy tech use as your child transitions into high school’
Date: Tuesday 29 October and Thursday 28 November
Time: 12.30pm-1.00pm Presented by: eSafety Commissioner
Cost: Free
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5292449078565496666
This 30-minute webinar is suitable for parents and carers of young people in upper primary school (aged 11-12) and Year 7.
The webinar will explore:
- the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into high school.
- practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences.
Lexie M, Mae M and Luka C really did St James proud with their incredibly entertaining scripts and impressive directorial debut. The girls wrote and edited their 3 minute long scripts and then enjoyed a day working with a team of ASPIRE actors to direct their short play before showcasing them to a paying audience at the Civic Playhouse. The three plays were all wonderfully different, Mae's spooky 'Haunted House', Luka's tale of pirate treasure in 'The Gold Doubloon' and Lexie's fractured fairytale about a travelling rat and his funny adventure in 'The Rattastic Story'.
A reminder to not park or drop off across driveways along Princeton Ave during pick up and drop off time. A number of residents have contacted the school with concerns regarding access to driveways. If you are parking, please abide by the NSW road rules and if you are dropping children off to school, I encourage families to use the designated Kiss and Drop Zone. I thank you for your understanding regarding this matter.
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.
P&F Meeting
Our next P&F meeting is scheduled for Monday, 4th November at 7pm in the Parish Hall. All welcome.
Canteen
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
To thank our wonderful School Volunteers for their invaluable time and support
throughout the year, I have sent your volunteers an invitation to our Christmas Morning Tea and International Volunteers week celebration.
Complaints and Grievances
The CSO has formal written protocols in place to address complaints and grievances. These protocols are in line with the Diocesan Complaints Resolution Policy, developed to provide a consistent approach for all diocesan schools. This policy aims to address the concerns of parents and carers and the wider community. These concerns may include children’s learning, behaviour and welfare, school organisation and management, student health and safety issues.
To lodge a complaint with the Catholic Schools Office please click here.
You can access the Catholic Schools Office Complaints and Resolutions Policy and resources here.
