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Dear Parents and Carers,
As we progress through Term 3, I’m delighted to share some highlights that reflect the strength, dedication, and the work of our school community.
Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff for their diligence and professionalism during our recent short notice New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) visit. The visit was extremely affirming, and this outcome is a direct reflection of the meticulous organisation, commitment to best practice, and collaborative spirit that defines our staff team. Every document prepared, every process reviewed, and every conversation held during the visit showcased the high standards we uphold at our school. Certainly, a proud principal moment!
We also celebrated one of the most enjoyed events on our calendar: Book Week! Our parade was a colourful celebration of imagination and storytelling, with students and staff alike embracing the theme with creativity and enthusiasm. From classic characters to modern favourites, the costumes were a testament to the love of reading that thrives in our classrooms. Thank you to our parents for your support in ensuring all children had a costume for the day. Much appreciation to Mr Coleman for organising our Book week activities this year.
Another standout moment this week has been the Abermain Eisteddfod, where our talented Vocal Group competed in multiple sections and achieved outstanding results in the 8 categories that they entered. The group placed first in 6 categories and earned 2 second-place finishes, bringing home $1800 in prize money and a collection of new plaques that will soon be proudly displayed in our school foyer. This success is a testament to the students’ hard work and passion, and thank you to Mrs Carr whose time, organisation, and creative expertise made it all possible. Thank you also to Mrs Aumuller who stepped in at the last minute and conducted the students at the event. Both your efforts are deeply appreciated and truly commendable.
As we continue to progress with our building works, I’d like to remind everyone to remain vigilant around the school grounds. Please take extra care when dropping off and picking up students, and ensure all road rules are followed, especially around changed traffic conditions and signage. I ask parents to use the refuge islands near the roundabout and to not cross over the road on the roundabout. The safety of our students, families, and staff is paramount, and your cooperation helps us maintain a secure and respectful environment for all.
Thank you to our families for your ongoing support, and to our staff for your tireless efforts in making our school a place of excellence and joy.
Warm regards,Mrs Sonya Boslem
Principal
22nd Sunday Ordinary Time
This week’s Gospel is from Luke 14: 1, 7-14
“On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely.
When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host, and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers and sisters or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (NRSVUE)
Jesus advises against seeking honour. It is better to take the lowest place and be asked to move to a higher one, thus earning honour in the eyes of others. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Jesus challenges the typical social customs of the time, where social status and reciprocal favours governed interactions. He promotes a new way of living where all are welcomed, not for what they can offer in return, but for their own inherent value. This is where lies the true value of our life here on earth.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Congratulations to all the children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last Thursday:
Anastasia B, Lorenzo B, Alex B, Jack C, Beau C, Zoe D, Adalyn D, Callum D, Evelyn H, Max H, Annika H, Kyle H, Rory H, Maggie K, Rose M, Evie M, Eve P, Louis R, Nathaniel S, Roman S, Hannah W, Sophie W, and Evie A.
Bishop Michael was very happy with the way you participated within the ceremony. Well done everyone. Please pray for the children as they now prepare for the Sacrament of the Eucharist in September.
Father's Day Liturgy
Mrs Patricia Miller
Religious Coordinator
ICAS Completion
This week concludes the ICAS tasks for students. We have had students’ complete assessments in the following areas:
Digital Technologies
Mathematics
Spelling
English
Writing
Science
Congratulations to the following students who have shown dedication and a big effort to develop their skills in the above learning areas.
Yr 3 Alexander J, Adeline W, Cooper K, Noah C, Indie M, Elijah W
Yr 5 Miles W, Beau C, Cooper M
Yr 6 Amity B, Laura P, Grace T
Father’s Day Stall
Next Thursday (4th September) we will hold the Father’s Day Stall. The children will go to the stall at the following times:
9am – Yr 3
9:20am – Kinder and Yr 6
9:40am – Yr 2
10am – Yr 5
10:20am – Yr 4
10:40am – Yr 1
PDHPE Safety Incursions – Term 3
As part of the PDHPE syllabus, students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be participating in two exciting and educational incursions over the coming weeks. On Monday, 1st September, Newcastle Council will present a Water Safety Incursion, helping students understand how to stay safe around water environments.
Then on Monday, 15th September, St James will welcome the NRMA Science and Road Safety Show, a dynamic and interactive presentation that combines science with vital road safety messages.
These incursions are a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with important safety topics in a fun and memorable way.
School Start Times – A Friendly Reminder
We kindly remind families that the school day begins with the bell at 8:45am, and all students are expected to be in class by 8:50am, when the roll is marked by staff.
Arriving on time helps ensure a calm and settled start to the day, allowing students to engage fully with morning routines and important lesson introductions. It also gives children the chance to enjoy socialising with their peers before learning begins.
Please note that teacher supervision begins at 8:20am. We appreciate your continued efforts in supporting punctual arrivals—it makes a big difference to your child’s day.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Calling All Christmas Disco Helpers!
We’re excited to start planning our much-loved St James Primary Christmas Disco, happening in Term 4 on Thursday, 27th November! To make this event a success, we need your help.
For this fun event to happen we need your help. We’re inviting interested parents and carers to join us for a ‘Disco Committee’ meeting on Thursday, 11th September at 2:00pm at school to discuss all things disco — from decorations to music and everything in between.
If you’re unable to attend the meeting but would still love to lend a hand on the night of the disco, please email Mrs Petersen to let us know. All volunteers will need to have a current clearance through the CSO.
✨ Many hands make light work, and our students absolutely love the opportunity to celebrate with a disco! We need a Disco Committee to ensure our school Disco is a huge success!! Please help out if you can!
Enjoy your weekend and the sunshine!!
Mrs Debra Petersen
Assistant Principal
| Monday 1st September |
Water Safety Incursion Netball Gala Day - Year 4 and Year 6 |
| Wednesday 3rd September |
Kindergarten 2026 Orientation Day Eucharist Face to Face Lesson 3:30pm Diverse Learning Mass 5:00pm - Sacred Heart Cathedral |
| Thursday 4th September |
Father's Day Stall |
| Friday 5th September |
Father's Day Liturgy and Morning Tea Assembly 2:10pm |
| Monday 8th September |
Regional Public Speaking Competition |
| Tuesday 9th September |
Reptile Park Excursion - Year 4 |
| 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 Polding Athletics Carnival |
| Monday 15th September |
NRMA Science and Road Safety Incursion |
| Friday 19th September |
Grandparents and Family Day Liturgy 10:00am |
| Saturday 20th September |
First Eucharist Mass - St Philip's 5:00pm |
| Monday 22nd September |
Diocesan Public Speaking |
| Tuesday 23rd September |
League 9's Gala Day Year 5 & Year 6 |
| Thursday 25th September |
Hunter Valley Zoo Excursion - Year 3 |
| Friday 26th September |
Parish Mass 9:15am - Kindergarten & Year 6 Last Day of Term 3 |
| Monday 13th October |
Pupil Free Day |
| Tuesday 14th October |
First Day of Term 4 |
Book Club News
Issue 6 of Book Club went home last week. The due date for orders is Friday 5th September. 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 6:
- #011 Miss Understood $3
- #201 The Determined Kitten $3
- #304 Diary of a Roblox Pro - Kingdom Clash $3
- #401 Splinters $3
If anyone has questions or concerns about the ordering process, please do not hesitate to contact me: sueanne.churches@mn.catholic.edu.au
Book Week
Our Book Week celebrations last week were once again fantastic. A special salute to all of the parents, guardians, helpers, minions, and grandparents who assisted or came along to support.
As has now become tradition here at St James, it has been decided that in 2026 we will again be supporting our student literacy development by asking students to come dressed as the definition of a word. This has been an amazing success in the past and has achieved some wonderful learning outcomes.
The Premiers Reading Challenge 2025
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 would like as many of our students as possible to qualify for their certificate this year, so READ ON!
Due to some IT problems earlier in the year at the PRC end, The Premiers Reading Challenge has been extended to the 19th of September. There is, therefore, plenty of time to complete those reading lists and qualify for the PRC Reading Certificate that will be handed out in Term 4.
Mr Coleman, Mrs Churches and Mrs Farley
Learning Hub Team
Polding Golf
This week, Jack B headed off to Blackheath Golf Club for the Polding Golf Trials. Shooting a personal best of 98 for a net 63. He placed third overall on a countback, just missing a medal. He handled the tournament conditions well and enjoyed a great day on a well-prepared course. Well done, Jack!
Resilience
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.
Mr Coleman will be taking leave from Week 8 this term and for all of Term 4. We welcome Kathleen Arthur-Smith to our school who will be working as the teacher Librarian for this time.
Mrs Carr has had to take some unexpected personal leave this term and will return next term. Currently Maddy Clemenson is continuing the Music program with the children.
Welcome
Father's Day Stall
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:
- Parents using the Kiss and Drop Zone are to go to the end of Princeton, turn and come back down to the area. Please do not U-turn on the crest.
- If crossing Vista Parade, please use the Crossing in front of the Hall.
- The Kiss and Drop Area has been moved further up Princeton Ave to allow for the necessary clearance for the new Bus stop. Parents are asked to not drop off in the Bus Zone and use the dedicated Kiss and Drop space.
- Parents are asked to not drive into the private road of the units on Vista parade to drop off in the morning. There have been a number of parents dropping off in the Church Carpark and the Private Road at Raspberry Gully. Please do not use these areas to drop children at school for safety reasons.
- Parents dropping off and walking children into school, please park away from intersections, hold your child's hand, check for cars and cross the road in a safe area. This may mean that parents park several blocks away and walk to the entrance.
- Please abide by the road rules and not park within 10m of an intersection. Parking too close to the intersection obstructs vision and buses are unable to turn into side streets.
- Do not park/ or drop off in No Stopping Zones.
- If collecting from Parent pick up in the afternoon, please ensure that your child/ren stay with you at all times especially on the curb side of the road.
- Students walking towards Nesbitt Park have been reminded that they are not to walk along side of the drain. Parents are encouraged to meet children on Vista and walk around to Grayson Ave to Nesbitt Park.
We are all committed to keeping our children safe. Rangers and NSW Police also patrol the area on a frequent basis, so I encourage all families to please take extra care on the roads around the the school. Please take extra care to not park across driveways.
Mrs Sonya Boslem
Principal
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.
Please click the below link to view Parents and Carers resources:
https://officeofsafeguarding.org.au/parents-and-carers/#
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.
