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Dear Parents and Carers,
I can’t believe that there is only two weeks to go before the end of the school year. Speaking to the children they are very excited, looking forward to the Christmas break. Many of your children will be tired so be patient with them.
I take this opportunity to thank the P&F for all their support of the school over the year, in particular, in the area's of the canteen and uniform shop. The support of parents is vital in ensuring the smooth running of the school and as teachers will tell you we can’t run the school without your support.
My thanks to Debra Petersen and the whole staff for their support of me over these past weeks and for their dedication, love and support of the children.
A reminder that reports are currently being proof read and will go live on Compass on Monday 11th December. Next Friday is the swimming carnival and just to remind you if your child/children will not be attending please let the school know.
New Principal Appointed St James
Just letting you know that I have been contacted by the Catholic Schols Office and the new Principal commencing in 2024 has been appointed. As a matter of courtesy, the Principal will be contacted today, Friday, and will visit St James on Monday morning to say hi. Once the Principal has been formally introduced to the school, I will inform you of their name.
Mr Duilio Rufo
Acting Principal
This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent
Advent begins this Sunday. We spend this time preparing for the coming of Christ into our world. He is here already, of course, but he wants to come closer. Let each one of us be one of his points of entry by keeping awake to open the door when he knocks.
"Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.”
This week’s Gospel is from Mark 13: 33-37
“Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake - for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."
In Mark’s Gospel this week, Jesus is like a householder who has gone on holidays. He has left his servants – that is, you and me – in charge of his affairs, each one with their own task. What is my task, my role in this world? “Stay awake because you do not know when the master will come back – “stay awake.” How do we do that? Very simply.
We keep in touch with those around us by each day doing our best to live lives of love, of compassion, of forgiveness, of honesty and integrity. We keep in touch with our God through lives of prayer. And the simplest and deepest prayer is to be aware of the active presence of God permeating every single moment of every single day.
Prayer:
Loving God,
as we begin this Advent,
give light to our eyes and peace to our hearts.
May God bless us during this joyful time of waiting,
in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Below is a link to an Advent Reflection that you may like to have a look at:
End of year Celebrations
Tuesday 12th December, 11:00am: Year 6/ End of year Liturgy (encompassing Year 6 Awards)
Wednesday 13th December, 9:30am: Whole School Awards Ceremony
Sacramental Program 2024
The 2024 sacramental program begins with Reconciliation will run from February to September, encompassing the 3 sacraments: Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist, in one calendar year. Baptised students from Year 4 are able to enrol in the program. The Sacramental Plan with specific dates for 2024 is attached.
Patricia Miller
Religious Coordinator
Dear Parents and carers,
We have many exciting events happening over the next few weeks that will wrap up the 2023 school year here at St James’. I am looking forward to seeing all our families join us for concerts, Liturgies, award ceremonies and more.
St James’ Band Concert and Final Assembly
Please join us for our final school assembly on Monday 4th December. This assembly will be held in the morning in the school hall. We are hoping to start at 9am, give or take 5 minutes. At the school assembly, awards will be handed out. After the assembly we will begin the School Band concert directed by Mr Darren Ward. Please come and join us for the morning, we would love you to listen to the talented students who have worked so hard this year as band members.
Week 10 Important Dates
11th Dec Monday – 2024 classes announced to students / Reports home to parents via Compass
12th Dec Tuesday – Year 6 End of Year Liturgy @ 11am
13th Dec Wednesday - Whole School Awards Celebration @9:30am
14th Dec Thursday - Ricky's Guitar Concert in the hall @ 10am
15th Dec Friday – Last day of School for Students!
Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition
In the last newsletter we announced Distinction winners for the Maths Competition, and we will be recognising those students at the assembly on Monday with their certificate.
Young Scriptwriters
Students from our school have been involved in the ASPIRE Young Scriptwriters Program. The students involved have been working on their scripts and they were performed last Tuesday 28 November 2023 at the Civic Playhouse Newcastle. We are very proud of these young and talented writers. Congratulations to April H, Xavier H, Spencer M and Ryder H (Year 6 students).
ASPIRE Concert Band
We are very proud of Layla R (Year 5) who performed in the first performance for the ASPIRE concert band to the Newcastle City Hall. Well done Layla.
2024 Team Leaders
Last week we heard speeches from many of our Year 5 students. I thank the students for their excellent ideas and for preparing wonderful speeches. Congratulations to the following students who will be our 2024 Team Leaders:
Environmental Stewardship
Sophia J and Zahli C
Creative and Critical Thinking
Ruby W and Leo D
Social Justice
Oliver L and Connor M
Health and Well-being
Mateo B and Lexi N
School TV
At this time of year students and parents can start to worry about school ‘transitions’. Our SchoolTV site has some great information around this topic, and I encourage any families with children who are heading into a new school next year to view this segment. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg shares some very wise thoughts for us in the article entitled “School Transitions”.
School Transitions | St James' Primary School - Kotara South (schooltv.me)2024 Staffing
KB – Miss Stokes (M, T) / Mrs Dean (W, Th, F)
KW – Mrs Ireson
1B – Mrs Mel Szekelyhidy
1W – Ms Emma Pittman
2B – Mrs Patricia Miller (M, T, W) / Mrs Alice Dougherty (Th, F)
2W – Mrs Kay Wallington
3B – Mrs Maria D’Andrea (M, T, W) / Mrs Tegan Fry (Th, F)
3W – Mrs Rebecca Brown
4B – Mrs Sharon Brown (M, T, W) / Mrs Katie Frost (Th, F)
4W – Mrs Renee Taylor
5B – Mrs Monica Griffiths (M, T, W) / Mrs Jessica Wedesweiler (Th, F)
5W – Mrs Debra Petersen (M, T) / Mrs Paula Dart (W, Th, F)
6B – Miss Renee Pettet
6W – Mr Joseph Hamilton (M, T, W) / Mrs Kelly Menser (Th, F)
Students will be told their classes for 2024 on Monday 11th December and meet their new teacher/s on that day.
Be kind and take care.
Mrs Debra Petersen
Assistant Principal
Monday 4th December |
School Assembly / Band Concert in hall 9:15am |
Wednesday 6th December |
Year 4 Bike Awareness |
Friday 8th December |
School Swimming Carnival Motiv8 Sports - Year 6 |
Monday 11th December |
"Step Up" Students visit their 2024 Classes Reports Live on Compass |
Tuesday 12th December |
Year 6 End of Year Liturgy 11:00am |
Wednesday 13th December |
Whole School Awards Celebration 9:30am |
Thursday 14th December |
Ricky's Guitar Concert 10:00am |
Friday 15th December |
Last Day for Students |
Thursday 1st February |
First Day for Students in Years 1-6 |
Monday 5th February |
First Day for Students in Kindergarten |
Diocesan Basketball Trials
Last Friday, Emerson D, Genevieve L & Evie M attended the Diocesan basketball trials for the 2024 Polding team. All three of our girls made it through to the next round and will now go through to the Polding selections in Coffs Harbour early next year. What an amazing achievement. Go girls!
“Being at the trials was really fun especially with my friends. There were around 15 girls trialling and we had to play against the boys, that was tough but we handled them. Only 8 boy and 8 girls got picked to go to the Polding selection. I hope we make it all together.” Genevieve
“I really enjoyed trialling at Dio Basketball trials with Genevieve and Emerson, we now travel to Coffs Harbour to trial for the Polding team. Hopefully we all make it and can go to NSWPSSA together.” Evie
“I had so much fun playing and hanging out with Evie and Genevieve. I am so happy that I made the team, it was such a great day. I am looking forward to next year.” Emerson
2024 Swimming Carnival
The following overview includes timeframes that are approximate only. Please be aware that it is very likely that the events will not run as tightly as planned.
Program of Events
9:30 – Opening of the carnival, Prayer, Anthem, Acknowledgement
9:40 |
100m Freestyle (open) |
Girls
Boys
|
9.50 |
50m Freestyle
(Crunch and sip) |
Girls: 8yrs, 9yrs, 10yrs, 11yrs, 12yrs
Boys: 8yrs, 9yrs, 10yrs, 11yrs, 12yrs
|
10:45 |
Kickboard 25 metre swim |
Volunteer Break |
11:30 |
50m Breaststroke |
Girls: Jnr, 11yrs, Snr Boys: Jnr, 11yrs, Snr |
12:15 |
50m backstroke
|
Girls: Jnr, 11yrs, Snr
Boys: Jnr, 11yrs, Snr |
1:00 |
10 Minute Break |
|
1:10 |
50m butterfly |
Girls: Jnr, 11yrs, Snr
Boys: Jnr, 11yrs, Snr
|
1.30 |
Open medley |
Girls: Jnr, Snr Boys: Jnr, Snr |
In events, the children who complete the fastest times will be selected for representation; there will be no finals.
St James’ Swimming Carnival will be holding their annual 2024 School Swimming Carnival for students who will be in Years 2 – 6 NEXT YEAR 2024 on Friday 8th December 2023. Therefore, we will be taking all students currently in Years 1-5. Kindergarten and Year 6 will remain at school.
Carnival details are as follows:
Date: Friday 8th December 2023
Venue: The Forum Swim Centre, Newcastle University
Time: Children should meet at school by 8.45am. Buses will leave at 9.00am sharp and arrive back at school by 2.30pm
Uniform: Children need to wear their school sport uniform over the top of their appropriate swimwear to the carnival. Girls are to wear a full piece swimsuit (Regional and Diocesan requirement).
Important things to note:
· Children should bring a packed lunch with a variety of nutritious treats and water. There will be no canteen available on the day. There is a café at the Forum for parents.
· Remember to pack a towel, swimmers, goggles and swimming cap (if required.) Please label everything.
· Crepe paper, confetti, or similar items are allowed in the aquatics centre.
· A $3.00 spectator's fee will apply to all visitors, exclusive of teachers and carnival volunteers. This fee must be paid to Reception staff by visitors on arrival.
· ALL adults are to use the toilets located outside the swimming vicinity. Male, Female, Disabled and Family toilets can be found upon first entering the building in the main reception (near the café). ONLY students will be permitted to use the toilets inside the swimming vicinity.
· Bathrooms- The children will use the bathrooms below the grandstand (pool level.) There are additional bathrooms for spectators to use out near the cafe area.
· Volunteers have already been contacted by email if required on the day. Thank you to all the other parents who offered to support the carnival.
· Written permission must be provided for students travelling home with alternate carers.
· If you wish to sign your child out early, you can sign them out with their grade supervisor.
Year 1: Mrs Melissa Szekelyidy
Year 2: Mrs Patricia Miller
Year 3: Mrs Madeleine Ireson
Year 4: Mrs Kelly Menser
Year 5: Mrs Jessica Wedesweiler
· Parents, we ask that you please sit above the stands and not with the children.
· Please remember that you can only take a photo of your own child.
· Parking and Transport- All parking is controlled by the University of Newcastle, not NUsport. University parking regulations apply to all vehicles between the hours of 8:00am to 5:30pm weekdays throughout the year, even during University holidays. All NUsport car parks have a two-hour parking restriction; Free all day parking is available in car parks P14 and P16 only (check signage). All vehicles must display a parking ticket, which can be purchased from ticket machines at the entry to all car parks. All vehicles must be parked in designated parking bays. Parking infringements will be issued by the University of Newcastle.
We are looking forward to this opportunity to come together as a school community. What a fabulous way to end the school year!
Tegan Fry
Sports Organiser
Many children have already received a Kiara sticker for their positive behaviour. This is an important recognition of their positive choices at school. Each time a child receives one of these stickers there will be an email automatically sent out to parents so that you can also acknowledge and celebrate with your child.
Compass Partial Attendance Notes
Please be aware that adding attendance notes in Compass is for WHOLE DAY absences. If you are bringing your child to school late due to an appointment etc, you will receive the text message. Please disregard this if the child is with you. Then upon bringing them into the administration office, you can sign them in through the Compass Kiosk. This then adjusts the class roll in real time.
Also, if you are collecting your child early for some reason, please DO NOT add a note in advance, just call into the administration office and sign them out through the Compass Kiosk.
Carolyn Hanley
Administration