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- Principal's Report
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- NAIDOC Day
- FACE Forum meeting
- Thank you Mrs Boslem
- Good for Kids
- Newcastle Transport - Service Change Information: Vista Parade
- Money Invested, Money Saved- Funding Campaign
- PBL
- From the Learning Hub
- Congratulations
- School Notices
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Dear Parents and Carers,
We warmly welcome all families back to school as we begin Term 3! We hope the holidays provided a restful break and a chance to recharge for the exciting term ahead. There’s a wonderful energy around the school as students reconnect, set new goals, and dive into learning once again.
A heartfelt thank you to our Year 6 students and dedicated staff who made the recent Canberra excursion such a memorable experience. The students showed outstanding organisation and enthusiasm throughout the trip, and they represented our school with pride, respect, and maturity. We are so proud of the way they carried themselves in the nation's capital and truly embodied our school values.
Recently, a several of our talented students, Xia B, Electra G and Willa T are participating in the ASPIRE Diocesan Creative Arts presentation, showcasing their gifts in drama and music. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and commitment to the creative spirit. Our Stage 3 students also thoroughly enjoyed attending the production, and it was inspiring to see their peers shine on such a vibrant platform.
We invite all families to join us for our first Family and Community Engagement (FACE) meeting on Monday, 11th August from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in the Parish Hall. This is a valuable opportunity to connect, share ideas, and continue strengthening the partnership between home and school. Stacey Mortimer our School Counsellor to present information on Student wellbeing. We look forward to welcoming many of you on this evening.
In Week 4 we encourage all families to engage in the three-way teacher, student and parent conversations. This will be a great opportunity for your children to discuss their achievements, challenges and goals for their learning. If you haven’t already booked at time on Compass, please do so before Wednesday.
I would also like to extend a big thank you to all our families for their patience and understanding as the traffic conditions change in surrounding streets of the school. Please see information in this newsletter regarding bus changes starting Monday 4th August. There has been a lot of progress in recent weeks with the build and each day we can see the new facilities taking shape. Exciting times ahead for all at St James’!
Have a great fortnight!
Kind regards,
Mrs Sonya Boslem
Principal
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” (NRSVU)
St Ignatius was a mystic who had very enriching ideas about God and about ourselves. He saw God as the great Lover and ourselves as God’s beloveds. He saw too that God gives us everything and even wants to give his very self to us, so far as he can. Lord, these are shattering ideas: let me not try to tame them but joyously live out of them. Lord, give us imaginations big enough to reach up to yours. But make us grounded enough to want only to love and humbly serve others as best we can. Help us to do everything for the greater glory of God.
2025 Sacramental Program
The Sacramental program for 2025 is now in full swing, please see below for upcoming dates and times. It was wonderful to see so many families at mass last weekend. Next week we will have our face-to face lesson for Confirmation on Wednesday at 3:30pm. It is a requirement that you attend this lesson prior to the Confirmation Ceremony so if you are unable to make the Wednesday lesson, please make sure you attend a lesson at one of the other schools:
- St Columba’s Adamstown Monday 4th August @ 3:30pm
- St Kevin’s Cardiff Thursday 7th August @ 3:30pm
.
SVDP Winter Appeal
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Once again, the generous nature of the St James community shone through. The children had a great day wearing their PJs and winter woollies to school and we were able to donate many bags of food to SVDP Winter Appeal.
A message from the Parish:
Mrs Patricia Miller
Religious Coordinator
Welcome back to Term 3! Hopefully the cold weather will soon be over and we can enjoy the sunshine and the opportunity for some great outdoor learning.
ICAS
Thank you to the families who have taken up the opportunity for their child to participate in the ICAS assessments. These assessments are spread out over the month of August and will begin next week with Writing and Digital Technologies. We wish all the children involved the best of luck and look forward to hearing their results.
HSIE
Last week staff were walked through the new Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) syllabus. The syllabus aims to develop students' understanding of how humans interact with the world, how societies operate, and how they are changing. It aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values to become active, informed, and responsible citizens in a complex and ever-changing world. Moving forward at St James’, the staff are working on new Scope and Sequences and programs to implement in 2026.
Parent Information Letters
These letters were sent via Compass to families last Friday. Please ensure you read the note that aligns with your child/ren’s grade as they contain important information about the term.
Parent/Teacher Conversations – Now Open!
We’re looking forward to welcoming families for our upcoming Parent/Teacher conversations, which can now be booked via Compass. These meetings are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your child’s progress and strengthen the partnership between home and school.
Students are warmly encouraged to attend alongside their parents and carers—after all, these conversations are all about them!
Bookings will close at midday on Wednesday 6th August, so please make sure to secure your time slot. Each conversation is scheduled for 10 minutes, allowing teachers time to prepare and ensure a meaningful discussion with you.
We can’t wait to connect and share in your child’s learning journey!
Have a wonderful weekend
Mrs Debra Petersen
Assistant Principal
Polding Touch Football Trials
“I attended the Polding Touch Football Trials on the 3rd of July, to represent Maitland Newcastle at Port Macquarie. My team played 4 games of touch with little breaks in-between. Maitland Newcastle ended up winning the competition because we won all 4 of our games. Unfortunately, I wasn’t chosen to attend State Trials, but there were a lot of talented players at the trials. This was a great experience for me to learn more about touch and working together with people you don’t know.”
Harper
Polding Rugby Union Trials
In Week 10, Noah K and Ace H headed off to Forbes to trial for the Polding Union Team. Well done to both boys for representing St James with pride at this level. Congratulations to Ace who was selected into the Polding Team and will compete in Glendale this August.
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
Next week, 14 students will represent St James at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival in Glendale. We wish the following students the best of luck: Alex P, Maisie E, Zoe D, Charlee S, Evie M, Evie L, Vivienne C, Thomas I, Lincoln M, Nate M, Leo W, Roman S, Raymond S and Kyle H. Good luck and have fun!
Athletes to Diocesan
Girls
|
Jnr Girls Shot Put (8,9,10) |
Snr Shot Put (12,13) |
Jnr High Jump (8,9,10) |
Snr High Jump (12,13) |
|
Alex P |
Maisie E Zoe D |
Charlee S Evie M |
Evie L Maisie E |
|
Jnr 1500m |
Snr 200m |
9yrs 100m |
12yrs 100m |
|
Charlee S |
Zoe D |
Vivienne C |
Zoe D |
Boys
|
Jnr boys long jump (8,9,10) |
Jnr High jump (8,9,10) |
11yrs high jump |
Jnr 800m (8,9,10) |
|
Thomas I |
Roman S |
Leo W |
Nate M |
|
Jnr 1500m |
Jnr 200m |
11yrs 200m |
10yrs 100m |
|
Nate M |
Thomas I |
Lincoln M |
Thomas I |
Relay
|
Jnr boys relay |
Roman S, Raymond S, Kyle H, Thomas I |
NSWCPS Golf Tournament
On the 25th of August, Jack B will be headed off to Blackheath Golf Club to compete at the NSWCPS Golf Tournament. We wish Jack the best of luck and we cannot wait to hear about your experience!
| Monday 4th August |
Netball Gala Day - Year 4 & Year 6 |
| Wednesday 6th August |
Confirmation Face to Face lesson 3:30pm Diocesan Athletics Carnival ICAS Writing |
| Thursday 7th August |
ICAS Digital Technologies Touch Football Gala Day Year 3 & Year 4 |
| Friday 8th August |
Parish Mass 9:15am - Year 5 Assembly 2:10pm - NAIDOC Liturgy |
| Tuesday 12th August |
NAIDOC Week Dance Experience |
| Thursday 14th August |
ICAS English |
| Friday 15th August |
Sacramental Retreat Day - St Philip's Parish Mass 9:15am - Year 4 |
| Wednesday 20th August |
ICAS Science |
| Thursday 21st August |
Confirmation Ceremony - St Philip's 6:30pm ICAS Spelling Bee |
| Friday 22nd August |
Reptile Park Excursion - Year 4 Parish Mass 9:15am - Year 3 Assembly 2:10pm |
| Monday 25th August |
School Public Speaking Competition |
| Wednesday 27th August |
ICAS Maths |
| Thursday 28th August |
ICAS Maths Abermain Eisteddfod - Small Vocal Group |
| Friday 29th August |
Parish Mass 9:15am - Year 2 |
| Monday 1st September |
Water Safety Program |
| Wednesday 3rd September |
Kinder 2026 Orientation Day Eucharist Face to Face Lesson 3:30pm |
| Friday 5th September |
Father's Day Liturgy and Morning Tea Assembly 2:10pm |
| Wednesday 10th September |
Year 6 Trinity Sports Day |
| Thursday 11th September |
Science & Engineering Challenge - Discovery Day |
| Friday 12th September |
Parish Mass 9:15am - Year 1 |
| Friday 19th September |
Grandparents and Family Day 9:15am |
| Tuesday 23rd September |
League 9's Gala Day Year 5 & Year 6 |
| Friday 26th September |
Last Day of Term 3 |
| Monday 13th October |
Pupil Free Day |
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!
Today is Australian Primary Principals Day
This day gives school communities, education stakeholders and the community at large, opportunity to celebrate our nation’s primary principals. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to acknowledge them, and share our appreciation for the incredibly valuable work they do every day.
This work changes lives!
Mrs Boslem is really nice to us and she is so busy organising lots of construction for the school.
Hannah 5W
I love that Mrs Boslem is kind and she is a great principal.
Emiliana 3W
Mrs Boslem is kind and she cares about the children.
Henry 6W
I like Mrs Boslem's smile.
Marlo KB
I like that Mrs Boslem is so kind to our whole community by including everyone in our celebrations.
Pippa 4B
I like that Mrs Boslem is super kind and she always has a smile on her face.
Lydia 2B
I like that Mrs Boslem is kind and she says Good Morning in a kind way.
Willow 1W
Newcastle Transport has made necessary changes for students due to a change in traffic conditions along Vista Parade.
From Monday 4th August, the following stops will be closed:
• 2289213 St James Primary School, Vista Pde
• 2289206 St Philip’s Catholic Church, Vista Pde
• 2289204 Princeton Ave opp Edison St
A new school stop (228938) will be installed opposite 121 Princeton Avenue.
Route 776AM will start 4 minutes earlier from New Lambton Library:
- New Lambton Library, Regent St 8.11am
- Garden Suburb Public School 8.21am
- St James Primary School 8.40am
- Lexington Pde near Kotara High 8.43am
Route 776PM will start 2 minutes earlier from Terence St near Belair Primary:
- Terence St near Belair Primary 3.15pm
- Lexington Pde near Kotara High 3.20pm
- St Philip’s Catholic Church 3.26pm
- Boundary St at Laurie St 3.29pm
- Garden Suburb Public School 3.38pm
- Royal St opp Portland Pl 3.53pm
Route 711 will pass the new stop at around 3.20pm
Timetables are now available online. Parents and students can easily check their timetable by following these three simple steps
1. Visit https://newcastletransport.info/plan-your-trip/school-services
2. Type your school name into the search field
3. Select your school bus route to download the PDF timetable that will be effective from Monday 4th August.
To find out more about the changes visit newcastletransport.info/plan-your-trip/school-services/ or email contact@newcastletransport.info
Recently there has been much public discussion around the Australian Government's model of funding schools. Catholic Schools NSW have put together some data to explain how government funding for non-government schools—such as Catholic and Independent schools— supports your right to choose the best educational environment for your child while also reducing costs for Australian taxpayers.
Using the most recent data, the report outlines how funding these schools through a mixed education model reduces pressure on public education resources, with savings of up to $6.88 billion annually. The report highlights how school choice benefits families and the broader community alike.
To read more, find the report here: Money invested, Money Saved - July 2025 - Adobe cloud storage.
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.
Our Book Week celebrations last year were once again fantastic.
In consultation with the Teachers, we have decided that in 2025 we will return to our traditional Book Week Parade where students come as their favorite book-based character.
The Book Week Parade will be held on Wednesday the 20th of August in the St James School Hall between 9:10am and 10:00am.
Come along and enjoy the colour and creativity of our School Community, celebrating Book Week to the beat of more great music.
Please be assured that in 2026, we will once again be encouraging our students’ literacy development by asking students to come dressed as a book character.
This was an amazing success last year and achieved some wonderful learning outcomes.
The Premiers Reading Challenge 2025
“Twenty Years of Wonder and Challenge”
The PRC for 2025 has been underway for some time now and we already have some industrious students who have completed their reading lists for this year.
We congratulate the following who have already satisfied the requirements to receive a Premiers Reading Challenge Certificate for the 2025 Challenge.
Kindergarten
Marlowe C
Monica E
Sid F
Norah H
Ainsley S
Dusty S
Year 1
Orlando D
Lewis R
Imogen S
Year 2
Lucy E
Obi F
Rhys H
Lauren K
Lydia S
Alfie S
Year 3
Andrew P
Olivia R
Charlotte T
Year 4
Lorenzo B
Zoe D
Matilda E
Rory H
Alex P
Year 5
Hailey D
Ollie D
Hannah M
Lincoln M
Cooper S
Year 6
Maisie E
Evie L
Laura P
We have a large number of students across the grades who are very close to reaching the number of books required and we would like as many of our students as possible to qualify for their certificate this year, so READ ON! There is still plenty of time.
The NSW Premier's Reading Challenge for 2025 closes for student's entries on Friday, September 19th, 2025. This aligns with Week 9 of Term 3.
We encourage all students to participate as we once again look to better our previous record of 150 Premiers Reading Challenge Certificates issued to the students of St James in 2024.
We also take this opportunity to remind the parents of students in Kindergarten and Year One that Mr Coleman has almost completed his promised allocation of reading 15 Premiers Reading Challenge Books to the students in these classes. We are looking forward to receiving the completed reading logs from Parents who have been asked to read an additional 15 books to their students from any reading category. By reading the additional 15 books to your students and completing the PRC reading log they will qualify for the PRC Certificate for 2025. This is great way to kick start their personal reading journey.
Book Club News
Issue 5 of Book Club went home last week. The due date for orders is Monday 4th August. 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.
https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/parent/login.aspx
- Value Items in Issue 5:
- #011 Bowerbird Blues $3
- #201 Kicking it – Dream Goal $3
- #304 I Survived – The Black Death, 1348 $3
- #401 Avatar – The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer $3
If anyone has questions or concerns about the ordering process, please do not hesitate to contact me: sueanne.churches@mn.catholic.edu.au
Exciting news as we congratulate Mrs Claire Rowlings and her family on the arrival of gorgeous Ruby, born Monday, 14th July.
Congratulations also to Mrs Madeleine Ireson on the birth of beautiful Audrey Rose, born Thursday 17th July.
We wish them all the very best at this very special time.
Canteen
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:
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.
