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Dear Parents and Carers,
A sincere thank you to the P&F for your work and organisation of the recent Welcome
Picnic. It was a great success and it was wonderful to have so many families attend.
Much appreciation to Zenita James for your effort and perseverance to ensure that the event occurred.
We have had so many events occurring at the school. Opening school Mass was a
wonderful celebration. Thank you to our teachers and Fr Joseph for making this such a special occasion. Congratulations to our inducted leaders.
Open Night for prospective families for 2024 occurred on Wednesday Night. What a
great night it was! Our entire school was showcased on the evening. Thank you to the staff for their time and organisation of this event. We were so proud of the Year 5 and Year 6 students who did a fantastic job in leading tours on the night. Thank you also to Dan, P&F president for attending and being a great promoter of parent engagement.
As communicated this week, our building works will commence on Monday. Thank you all families for sending the travel documentation back. Today we will be sending home the name cards for family cars. Please display this in the windscreen when using the Kiss and Drop Zone. Below are the important points to remember when using the Kiss and Drop Zone.
We ask that parents do the following:
• You stay in the order you arrive at the Kiss and Drop Zone.
• There is no cutting in front of other vehicles.
• You will not leave until the vehicle in front has left the zone.
• There will be no reversing of vehicles.
• You do not get out of the car – unless your child requires assistance to be restrained in a
car seat.
• When using the Kiss and Drop Zone you display your family name label.
Parent Pick Up Line
Teachers are to walk with the students out the side gate. Assemble in the park on Vista and Fernleigh Track and parents collect from this point.
Mrs Sonya Boslem
Principal
This week’s Gospel is from John 3:14-21
“And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
For people in Jesus' time the cross was the ultimate sign of humiliation; thousands ended their lives by dying on the cross. Thousands of Jesus' own countrymen were crucified. For all who knew them it was torture and humiliation. For us now because of Jesus' love and resurrection, it is the great sign of eternal life and love.
Sacramental Program
The Parish Sacramental Program for 2024 is now well underway. Please pray for all the children from our community who will receive the forgiveness and grace of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Thursday 21st March.
RECONCILIATION PROGRAM: (Term 1: Tuesday, 30 January - Friday, 12 April)
Ceremony: Thursday 21st March, St Philip’s Kotara @ 6:00pm.
Parish Mass -Friday 15th March
Year 2 will be attending the 9:15am mass next Friday. We would love to have you join them if you are able.
Patricia Miller
Religious Coordinator
St James has been a hive of activity over the past 2 weeks. My thanks to P and F for organising and to our community for supporting the ‘Welcome Picnic’ held in week 5. Just this week we were able to welcome some new and existing families to our Open Evening. It was wonderful to meet all the parents and young children who may begin their education here with us. A big thank you to our dedicated staff who opened their classrooms and showcased the great learning that happens daily here at school. Well-done also to our Stage 3 tour guides!!
School TV
This week I decided to look more at the “Positive Parenting Series” that is on offer via SchoolTV. I found some great topics including Raising Boys, found on the below link:NAPLAN
Next week we will begin NAPLAN testing for Grades 3 and 5. Parents of students in these grades please ensure their device is fully charged every day as we cannot charge them here at school. Your child/ren will also need a pair of headphones/earbuds. These should already be at school. Wireless air pods (or similar) are not recommended.
ICAS is Back for 2024!
After such a successful year in terms of student numbers willing to give the ICAS tests a go and the wonderful results of our awesome students we have decided to offer ICAS tests again this year.
These assessments are open to students in grades 3 – 6. The parent code for all subjects Years 3-6 is below:
Your school access code is: VSP042
Your parent page link is: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps
I have included a timetable with dates of the ICAS assessments. This may help when entering your child.
Any problems please let me know.
Enjoy the weekend and remember to smile!
Mrs Debra Petersen
Assistant Principal
We continue to look at the pillar of RESPECTFUL for weeks 6 & 7, all classes will be focusing on the expectation of treating others equally and fairly.
As a community we consider how does it feel when people treat you differently? What might happen when we don't treat others equally and fairly? We are encouraged to treat everyone the way we would like to be treated, follow the rules, share and take turns.
Monday 11th March |
Hunter Water Show - Kinder, Year 1, Year 2 |
Tuesday 12th March |
Diocesan AFL |
13th - 22nd March |
Naplan |
Thursday 14th March |
School Photo Day - Full School Summer Uniform |
Friday 15th March |
Parish Mass - Year 2 9:15am |
Thursday 21st March |
1st Reconciliation Ceremony 6:00pm Harmony Day Liturgy 12:30pm |
Friday 22nd March |
Parish Mass - Year 6 & Kindergarten 9:15am |
Tuesday 26th March |
Diocesan Winter Sport Trials |
Wednesday 27th March |
Holy Week Liturgy 11:30am |
Thursday 28th March |
Diocesan Soccer Trials Sporting Schools Program AFL Years 3 - 6 |
Friday 5th April |
School Cross Country |
Monday 8th April |
P&F AGM |
Tuesday 9th April |
Polding AFL |
Thursday 11th April |
Sporting Schools Program AFL Years 3 - 6 |
Thursday 11th - Friday 12th April |
NSWPSSA Swimming |
Friday 12th April |
Pupil Free Day - End of Term 1 |
Hello all,
Welcome to half way through term 1. For those who don’t know me my name is Claire McWilliam and I am the Pastoral Care worker here at St James' Primary, Kotara South. I work on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Pastoral Care Worker role is a welfare/ wellbeing position. I am here to help the students, families and staff with emotional, social and spiritual help. Feel free to contact me by calling the school; email claire.mcwilliam@mn.catholic.edu.au or by speaking to your child's class teacher and they can assist you in getting into contact with me.
Claire McWilliam
Pastoral Care Worker
Book Club News
Issue 2 of Book Club went home this week. The due date for orders is Friday 15th March. 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 2:
· #011 Where’s the Easter Bunny? Around the Word $3
· #201 Aang’s Unfreezing Day $3
· #304 I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964 $3
· #401 A Winglets Collection $3
Are you looking for Easter Books – look at page 9 and other specials on the back page.
If anyone has questions or concerns about the ordering process, please do not hesitate to drop into the library (Mon/Tues/Wed) or contact me: sueanne.churches@mn.catholic.edu.au.
Sue-Anne Churches
Library Assistant and Book Club Co-ordinator
Diocesan Swimming Carnival
It was a great atmosphere at Forum Aquatics Centre last Monday for the Diocesan Swimming Carnival. There were ten children from St James in the Central Region Team. They all gave it their very best- some beating their ‘personal bests,’ and others finishing in the top 3 for their events.
A special mention to Isabel S who finished first in the 9-year girls 50m freestyle. Isabel broke a record that had been in place for 9 years! What an outstanding achievement Issy! We are all very proud of you!
There was great excitement during the senior boys’ relay race. It was neck and neck in the last lap with only 34 milliseconds separating first and second place.
Congratulations to all of the children who represented the Central Region. We must also acknowledge all the hard-work, commitment and training that goes into achieving these outstanding results.
Oliver P, Isabel S, Madeleine S, Jonah T, Sebastian K, Oliver L and Soren R will go through to the Polding Swimming Championships. This will be held on Wednesday 3rd of April at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Homebush.
Oliver P |
Open 100m Freestyle 12 year boys 50m Freestyle 12 year boys 50m Breaststroke 12 year boys 50m Butterfly 200m Individual Medley |
2nd 1st 3rd 2nd 2nd
|
Isabel S |
9 year girls 50m Freestyle 9 year girls 50m Breaststroke 9 year girls 50m Backstroke 9 year girls 50m Butterfly |
1st Record Broken!!! 2nd 2nd 1st
|
Madeleine S |
12 year girls Freestyle 12 year girls Backstroke |
2nd 3rd
|
Jonah T |
11 year boys 50m Butterfly |
2nd |
Sebastian K Oliver L Soren R Oliver P |
Senior boys relay team |
2nd |
Isabel broke the record for the 9 years girls 50 metre freestyle.
Aspiring young Golfer at St James’
Lexi N (year 6) was invited to participate in a Junior Girl's Golf Scholarship Program with funding for 8 local girl's from the Australian Golf Foundation.
Lexi will receive free coaching sessions for 12 months at the Charlestown Golf Course, a one year junior membership and will be encouraged to participate in club competitions and obtain a handicap. The Scholarship Program is part of a National campaign to encourage more girl's into the sport. Lexi loves Golf and has Mrs Frost and her Dad to thank for introducing her to the sport and encouraging her to take it further. Congratulations Lexi!!
AFL Coaching Clinics for Years 3 to Year 6
We were very lucky to receive a sporting schools grant for term 1. Coaches from NSW AFL will be working with children in Years 3 to Year 6. Their program includes games and activities that will allow students to develop their skills, gain awareness of the rules of the game while enjoying being active.
The 5 week program will take place on a Thursday up until the end of term 1.
AFL Trials
On Monday the 4th of March, Evie L in Year 6 travelled to Teralba to trial for the NSW AFL 12 Years Girls Team. Unfortunately, Evie was unsuccessful in her selections, but we are so incredibly proud of her efforts. Next week, Sebastian K and Henry R will attend the Diocesan trials for AFL in Teralba. Best of luck to the two boys and we look forward to hearing about their experience.
St James’ 2024 Athletics Carnival
The St James’ Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 10th May, at the Fearnley-Dawes Athletics Track.
This is a whole-school event. The children will travel to and from the carnival by bus to this event. Students will be leaving school at 9:00am and buses will return to school by the end of the day for dismissal.
You will be emailed a link to this event on compass.
What you will need to do:
« Please provide consent for your child to attend online through the compass event
« Please ensure that your child’s medical requirements and emergency contact information are up to date on the school records.
« All children will automatically be entered into their 100 metre age race (50 metre race for Kindergarten and Year 1).
« All children will participate in fun, non-competitive tabloid activities throughout the day.
« If your child would like to participate in the 200m and 800m events, please nominate for these events through the compass event
« If your child would like to be considered for the 1500m and High Jump events at the regional carnival, please submit their Little Athletics times/heights and/or Cross-Country Result through the compass event also.
« If you are able to help out on the day, we would love your support. (Please note: you must have completed your school volunteer clearance.)
Please respond to the compass event as soon as possible. Access to the Compass event will close on the 5th of April.
OVERVIEW OF THE DAY
The children will travel by bus to the Fearnley-Dawes Athletics Track. When the children arrive, they will sit in the grandstand in their colour house groups.
9:20am- 800m races begin
9:50am- Acknowledgement of Country, Prayer & National Anthem
10:00am- 200m races
10:40am- Tabloid Rotations Begin- The children will go to their Age Manager. They will remain with their Age Manager for the rest of the day. They will rotate through the tabloid activities until their 100m race is called.
Children will leave the activities, compete in their age race and then return to the tabloid rotations.This format enables the greatest level of active participation for every child.
Relays will follow 100m races. Relay teams are made up of colour house members where possible. If a team is short, we will use children from another colour house. These teams are just for fun at our school carnival. The relay teams that progress to Regional level are made up of the fastest runners from our 100m age races.
PLEASE NOTE:
· In running events, the children who complete the fastest times are selected for representation; there will be no finals. Therefore, not all heat place-getters will be selected.
· This year there will be 2 Long jump and shot put events operating. One is competitive and one is ‘just for fun.’ The children will be shortlisted for the competitive events prior to the carnival.
· If you wish to take your child home from the carnival, please see either Mrs Petersen or Mrs Boslem to sign them out beforehand. All other children will return to school by bus.
· The teachers will take any necessary medications from the school to the carnival. They will be stored at the first aid trestle table.
REMINDERS:
· Children will wear their sport uniform with a house colour t-shirt.
· Children are to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. There will be no canteen facilities available on the day.
· Please ensure your child is wearing sunscreen prior to the event.
· We welcome parents and carer as spectators however you must remain in the designated areas. These areas will be clearly marked and parents reminded throughout the day. Parents will not be allowed to access the field area. Crossing of the track disrupts races and can be quite dangerous for our competitors.
Tegan Fry and Renee Pettet
Sports Organiser
School Fees
School Fees were emailed last weekend from the Catholic Schools Office. Please contact the school if you did not receive.
Please note:
- 2024 School Fees are invoiced for the full school year. School Fees for Year 6 will also include their Canberra Excursion and Sport Shirt.
- If paying fees by instalment, your weekly, fortnight or monthly frequency needs to commence in March, and fees are to paid in full by 30 November
2024. - If paying fees ‘in full’ as one payment, please finalise prior to 30 June 2024.
- Our preferred method of payment is either BPay or direct debit. It is preferred if payments were not made via the Compass app due to high fees.
- For Fee Payers wishing to establish a new Direct Debit, please complete the form on the Catholic Development Fund
website www.CDFmn.com.au. - For those families experiencing financial hardship, or wishing to discuss other payment arrangements, please contact the school office to arrange an
appointment with the Principal.
If you are a Healthcare/Pension Card holder, the following 2024 Fee HCC Discount Application Form is required to be completed and returned to school with a copy of your Health Care/Pension Card for a discount on your Tuition fees. Can you please return as soon as possible.
Volunteer
Please see the below link if you would like to register to volunteer at St James. Our school is always in need of volunteers in our school canteen or for many other school activities. We will let you know once we receive your clearance from your registration, this must be received prior to volunteering.
Volunteer Registration Form
Thank you and kind regards
Carolyn Hanley
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.
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
A reminder to please update your child's class on Flexischools to ensure their order goes to the correct classroom. There have been a couple of new items added to the menu including Margarita Pizza (Mon & Wed) and yoghurts.