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Dear Parents and Carers,
As we come to the close of another successful school term, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the many achievements and express my gratitude to our great school community.
Firstly, congratulations to all our students for your hard work, resilience, and enthusiasm throughout the term. Your commitment to learning and your positive contributions to school life have been truly inspiring. By now you have all had the opportunity to view Semester 1 progress reports and celebrate the achievements of your children. Semester 1 3-way parent/ teacher/ student conferences will take place in Week 4, Term 3. Please take the time to make an appointment when they are made available to you early next term.
We also celebrate the success of our students in the Diocesan Spelling and Maths Bee Competitions. Well done to Kevin V for winning the Stage 1 Mathematics Competition and to Harrison C for achieving 2nd place in the Spelling Competition for Stage 1. Thank you for representing our Central Region with such excellence.
Another highlight this term was the recent Guitar Concert, where our talented students showcased their musical skills with passion and creativity. Congratulations to all who participated it was great to see the development of your musical skills.
I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our school community for your generosity and compassion during our Flood Appeal. Your donations and support have made a meaningful difference to those affected, and it is a powerful reminder of the strength and kindness within our community.
This week I have had the privilege of travelling with our Year 6 group to Canberra to visit the Nation’s Capital. The children have experienced many of the sights and significant places in Canberra. Congratulations to our students who have represented our school so well over the past few days. It has been wonderful to be part of the excursion. A big thank you to Mr Hamilton, Miss Pettet and to Mrs Dart for your supervision, planning and extra time committed to ensuring the children had a memorable trip.
Congratulations to Miss Phoebe Parker and fiancé Jackson. They will celebrate their marriage during this holiday period. We hope they have a wonderful time with family and friends. We wish them a lifetime of happiness together.
As we head into the holiday break, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back next term, Monday 21st July, ready for new learning adventures.
Thank you for your continued support and for being such an integral part of our school’s success.
Best wishes,
Mrs Sonya Boslem
Principal
“ After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way; I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if a person of peace is there, your peace will rest on that person, but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’, But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’, I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.
The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. Indeed, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (NRSVU)
Jesus is preparing his disciples for mission. He leaves them in no doubt about the challenges, obstacles and dangers which will await them. They will succeed, however, because the power of God is working with them. The message entrusted to the disciples by Jesus is peace and the nearness of the kingdom of God’. This same message of peace and justice, forgiveness and healing, and the Good News of God’s kingdom, has been entrusted to the Church through the centuries. Now it is our turn to witness to it.
2025 Sacramental Program
The Sacramental program for 2025 is now in full swing, please see below for upcoming dates and times. Please remember to send back your completed Confirmation and Eucharist Cards to Mrs Miller as soon as possible so all this information can be collated before the Commitment Mass on Saturday 26th July (end of Week 1).
Opening Doors: Welcoming you into the Catholic Faith
The Catholic Church welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life – anyone who has a desire to learn about and enter into a life of faith in Jesus Christ can become a Catholic. The process of becoming a Catholic is a journey of faith and conversion. It is a time to learn about the teachings of the Church, to grow in one’s relationship with God, and to make a commitment to live a Christian life.
Adults who are interested in how to become Catholic can enrol in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program through a local parish. The RCIA program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith, including it's teachings, history, and traditions and culminates in the individual receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. St James’ school is part of the All Saints Blackbutt South parish community. Adults who wish to become Catholic can, after a period of preparation receive Baptism, Communion & Confirmation at the same time. Please contact our Parish Priest, Father Joseph Figurado for more information via the Parish Office on 02 4954 0977.
In our parish Baptisms are celebrated on the first, second and third Sundays of the month, 11:30am at St Philip’s Kotara, except for January. Application forms are available from the Parish Office. Bookings and preparation are essential. Baptism enquiries may be made via the Parish Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays on 02 4954 0977. The Baptism Preparation program is held at 10:30am on the 4th Sunday of the month, except December.
More information can be found on the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle website by following the link below.
How do I become Catholic? Our Catholic community welcomes those who are searching.
If you have any questions or require support, please contact me at patriciae.miller@mn.catholic.edu.au.
Mrs Patricia Miller
Religious Coordinator
What a wonderful Term it has been! We have had a great time learning and growing and handled all the weather had to throw at us! A big shout out to the students who have been so patient with having the fields out of action for periods at a time. You showed great resilience.
Next Term ICAS opportunities will commence in August. It isn’t too late to register for 1 or more assessments.
Parents can register their child through the easy-to-use Parent Payment System (PPS).
Register and give their child the chance to shine. Use the Parent Portal to sign up to your chosen subject areas using the link and code below.
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Sign up here |
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Access code |
VSP042 |
This year, our students can elect to sit the following assessments:
|
Subject |
Sitting Date |
Cost (AU$) |
Exam dates are subject to change |
|
Digital Technologies |
4-8 Aug |
$20.95 |
7th August |
|
Writing |
4-8 Aug |
$24.95 |
6th August |
|
English |
11-15 Aug |
$20.95 |
14th August |
|
Science |
18-22 Aug |
$20.95 |
20th August |
|
Spelling Bee |
18-22 Aug |
$20.95 |
21St August |
|
Mathematics |
25-29Aug |
$20.95 |
27th or 28th August |
Three – Way Conferences
Next Term families will have the opportunity to discuss their child’s learning goals, behaviour and wellbeing with the classroom teachers. Conferences will be held during Week 4 of Term 3 (August 11th – 15th). I will let all families know when Compass is open for you to book. I just wanted to flag with families the date/s.
I hope everyone has a safe holiday. Whatever you are doing, enjoy some down time and I look forward to seeing all the children, staff and families back mid-July.
Smile it’s free and contagious!
Mrs Debra Petersen
Assistant Principal
| Monday 21st July |
First Day Back Term 3 |
| Saturday 26th July |
Sacramental Commitment Mass - St Philip's |
| Wednesday 30th July |
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal Pyjama Day |
| Thursday 31st July |
Year 3 Hunter Valley Zoo Excursion ASPIRE Stage 3 |
| Friday 1st August |
Abermain Eisteddfod |
| Wednesday 6th August |
Confirmation Face to Face lesson 3:30pm ICAS Writing |
| Thursday 7th August |
ICAS Digital Technologies |
| Tuesday 12th August |
NAIDOC Week Celebrations |
| Thursday 14th August |
ICAS English |
| Friday 15th August |
Sacramental Retreat Day - St Philip's |
| Wednesday 20th August |
ICAS Science |
| Monday 25th August |
School Public Speaking Competition |
| Wednesday 27th August |
ICAS Maths |
| Thursday 28th August |
ICAS Maths Abermain Eisteddfod - Small Vocal Group |
| Thursday 21st August |
Confirmation Ceremony - St Philip's 6:30pm ICAS Spelling Bee |
| Friday 19th September |
Grandparents and Family Day |
The focus of our PB4L lessons will be on being respectful, responsible and resilient in all places, at all times. We will continue to use the language of our matrix above, while outlining what this looks like in each area. We would encourage you to also use this language at home.
Virtual Academy Students Shine in Term Showcases
This term, we're thrilled to celebrate three remarkable virtual academy students who have excelled in their learning journey through outstanding project showcases.
Enterprise Unit Achievement
Amity B presented "GettingYouReady," a coaching book designed to help young netball players develop skills and confidence. Her work beautifully integrated Catholic values of leadership and demonstrating how success comes from empowering our community.
Thomas R showcased "FindAnImageAI," a generative AI system that helps small businesses create unique branding materials. His innovative solution addresses the growing need for enhanced digital presence in today's competitive marketplace.
Discovery Unit Achievement
Miles W prepared "Re-energising and Rehabilitation Between Matches," creating a chapter book that can help young athletes understand player preparation and recovery. His work provides valuable insights into the dedication required for athletic excellence.
These presentations showcase our students' ability to identify real-world problems and develop meaningful solutions. Congratulations to Amity, Thomas, and Miles for their outstanding work this term; their innovation and dedication towards their learning has been pleasing to witness.
Mr Joseph Hamilton
Gifted Education Mentor
Just 10 minutes of reading each day can help avoid the 'Holiday Slide'. Don't forget to login to your DRA Online Library during the school break!
Our 1st FACE Forum meeting will be held on Monday 11th August 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Parish Hall. Our educative focus presented by our School Counsellor, Stacey Mortimer will be on Children’s Mental Health. All Welcome!
We have a large amount of lost property accumulated over the term. Many items have no name on them and can not be returned to owners. Please ensure that your child’s name is on all items brought to school each day.
With school holidays fast approaching it may be useful to take some time out to consider the relationships we hold dear and those we might like to invest in more fully. Our children grow considerably through building relationships with a variety of peers. Encouraging our children to reach beyond their usual group of friends exposes them to new ideas, passions and ways of doing and being.
The following podcast about inclusion and belonging is a quality reminder of putting ourselves into someone else’s shoes, considering their story and welcoming them to become a part of our story. We encourage you to take the time to sit and listen and then open a conversation with your family.
Success Criteria:
I can…
- Recognise when someone is being left out and actively do something to change it.
- Imagine how it might feel to be left out or not allowed to do something.
- Articulate what belonging and inclusion mean.
A reminder that all children are expected to be in class at 8:50am each day. Children coming to school after this time will be marked as partially absent. Please ensure that your child is at school on time each day.
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.
St James’ Primary School is committed to providing a positive, safe environment for all staff and students. There are occasions, however, when members of our school and wider community are concerned about something happening at the school that may appear to be unsatisfactory or unreasonable.
In the first instance, please contact the school to discuss any types of grievance resolution as the first point of contact to help with these matters.
Additionally, the Catholic Schools Office 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. The complaints 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.
These links and resources are also available on our website under the Parent Information/Complaints Resolution tab.
We ask that parents and carers follow these guidelines and take the appropriate steps in resolving any issues. All members of the St James’ community are asked to remember that using other channels such as social media to voice complaints and grievances is not the appropriate method when issues arise.
There has been Food Safety Changes for all school canteens. If you are a volunteer in the school canteen the below online course needs to be completed, can you please follow the below link to ensure compliance of the new NSW Government Food Authority Standard 3.2.2A. Once this has been completed, can you please email your certificate through to admin@kotarasouth.catholic.edu.au
https://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/training/food-handler-basics-training
Volunteers
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, we really appreciate your time. If you would like to volunteer and haven't registered, please click on the link below and submit your forms. Once you have clearance the CSO will contact us to advise you have been cleared to volunteer.
https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/people/volunteer/
Playgroup
Entertainment Book
If you would like to order an Entertainment Book for 12 months from your date of purchase, please order via the below link:
