Principal's Post
Dear Families,
Term One is simply flying by!
We are already half way through the term and as a school community have enjoyed welcoming parents on site and into the buildings without any restrictions. It's been lovely to have parents at assemblies, prayer services, sporting events and commencing help in the classrooms.
Students are full on into their learning. It's very satisfying to see and hear students switched on to their learning as I wander around the school and into classrooms.
Just a reminder that the staff are heading away on a Conference this Thursday and Friday. We are staying off site but Camp Australia will be running a day care program here at St James. So far there are approx 8 students enrolled for Thursday and 2 for Friday. To enrol please use this link
https://www.campaustralia.com.au/schools/9AE4
The Focus of the conference is on "The Brain and how it affects readiness to Learn and function."
Our facilitator, Maria Ruberto’s work is dynamic, interactive and spirited. Her application of psychology is anchored by research in neuroscience and brain function – and framed by the science of optimism.
Maria has worked extensively for 10 years within the areas of Educational Leadership, Trauma Response and statewide initiatives relating to Student Wellbeing with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. She has worked with Travancore School of Mental Health which is a partnership with the Royal Children’s Hospital, Orygen Youth Mental Health and is currently consulting with Beyond Blue to develop training around the new resilience resource Sense Ability.
Meet some of our new staff
My name is Nicole Addison (left), I am a mother of two primary school aged children and I feel very fortunate to be welcomed into the incredible St James community as one of the year 2 teachers. It has been a pleasure to start teaching in such a friendly and supportive community and I look forward to meeting you all throughout the year.
Hi my name is Lisa Salter (right) and I am the new Year 1 teacher at St James. I studied to be a teacher at ACU after leaving high school and have now been teaching for 13 years. Over the years I have previously worked at two other Catholic primary schools in Wheelers Hill and Greensborough. I have taught nearly all year levels but have a particular passion for early years education. I got married in 2018 and my husband and I now live in Ferntree Gully. Apart from being a teacher my other amazing job is being a mum to my 18 month old daughter.
NAPLAN
This year NAPLAN will occur in Week 7. To ensure that our Year 3 and Year 5 students are familiar with the testing platform that was introduced last year, they will take part in some trial assessments over the next couple of weeks. The Year 3 and 5 families will receive more information about NAPLAN to outline details about the upcoming tests shortly. So please lookout for this.
Open Days
The first one of these is on Wednesday. We have tours at 9am and 10am. Please encourage any families who are looking to enrol their child in Prep 2024 to come along to one of our Open Days and see St James in action.
Footy Tipping Competition - Open to all SJV Community Members
A group of parents approached me to discuss the possibility of running a St James AFL Footy Tipping Competition. The competition will be open to all community members; students, parents and staff. There will be no entry fee and we will source a few prizes to be announced by round five.
You can register via this link
https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/St_James_Vermont_family__friends
Australia's Best Teachers
News Corp has launched its ‘Australia’s Best Teachers’ campaign and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) is a major partner.
Australia’s Best Teachers aims to recognise the wonderful work of those in the profession by celebrating our most inspirational and innovative educators. The campaign calls on Australians to nominate the great teachers who have, and have had, an incredible impact on our students and all of our lives. A panel of expert judges will then select and announce the top 50 teachers on Saturday 6 May 2023.
We have great teachers at St James and I would like to encourage the entire school community to contribute nominations via the following link:
Lunch Time Clubs for Students
Our lunch and recess time clubs have started. The students are invited to attend the clubs across the week that may be of current interest to them and offer opportunities for students to explore new interests with students across the school.
Have you registered for the Managing Big Feelings Webinar?
As a follow up to the Starting School presentation, we present the Managing Big Feelings webinar. The content is tailored to parents/carers with lower primary school-aged children (Prep - 2).
Managing Big Feelings
Presenter: Carley McGauran
Date: Wednesday 8 March
Time: 7.30pm (75 min)
Here is the link to register for the webinar :
Once registered a link to the webinar will be emailed. The following day, you will receive a link to access the replay. Therefore we recommend that even if you are unable to attend the live webinar, register to ensure that you can access the replay which will be available for 30 days.
Vpass
The Vpass sign in/out software has now been updated. You can use the office IPad or your mobile phone/App to sign in/out. To save time you may wish to create a profile on your phone. Follow the instructions attached, which includes downloading the Vpass App. If you have any queries, please contact Michelle in the office.
CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)
New applicants need to complete a CSEF application form or download from the website - https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund/policy.
If you applied for CSEF at your child's school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year unless there has been a change in your family circumstances. You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:• new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools this year.• changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing this year.
Marathon Club Starts with Record Attendance
It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic runners, walkers and parents at our Marathon Club launch for the year. Katrina van Vuren and Belinda Bele have taken on the role Gen Hammerton lead so well for the past 4 years. Thanks to parents who volunteered to help out. Katrina and Belinda will put a roster together for helpers throughout the rest of the term.
Students wishing to join can simply register via this link. Don't forget to bring along your own bowl and spoon for breakfast.
New Long Jump Run up and Cricket Pitch Installed
This was completed over the weekend. Students will be able to use this for Phys Ed lessons as well as playtimes. This is a jointly funded project with The Parents and Friends and the school splitting the cost.
Thanks to the magnificent work of the P & F throughout 2022, we raised more funds than anticipated which brought forward the timeline on this project. This is another excellent example of our community efforts supporting the students.
Other News/Dates
Wednesday 8 March - P & F Meeting starting at 7.30pm
Thursday 9 and Friday 10 March - School Closure Days for our staff conference. Camp Australia will run a day care program at St James. (Monday 13 March is the Labour Day holiday)
Monday 24 April - Parish School Closure Day called by Fr Dispin (this means that Term Two will commence on Wednesday 26 April, after ANZAC Day)
Tues 29 & Wed 30 August - School Concert Production at Crossways in East Burwood
Have a great week!
Dave