This Week's Updates
Dear Families,
Happy Winter!
What a lovely sunny start to our cold season it has been. Unfortunately, our lower grass area has lost a lot of grass and will turn to mud when the rain does come, so be prepared for a little extra washing :)
The two days in Healesville last week were excellent learning opportunities with my fellow principals in the Outer Eastern Zone. A big focus was on MACS Vision For Instruction, Vision for Engagement and the Science of Learning.
Fire Engine at St James
Last Friday, our Prep students had an exciting and memorable experience with a special visit from a Fire Rescue Victoria fire engine. The visit was made even more meaningful as it was led by Michael, the father of our very own prep student, Hudson. Michael generously volunteered his time to speak with the children about the vital role that Fire Rescue Victoria plays in keeping our communities safe. He shared valuable insights into fire safety, emergency response, and the responsibilities of firefighters, sparking curiosity among the students. We are incredibly grateful to Michael for his time, dedication, and the opportunity to inspire our young learners through real-world connections.
Uniform Shop Move
Thank you to Michelle Holmes who put in many hours sorting through and relocating our second hand clothes over the past two weeks. Thanks to Michelle and Bianca who facilitated last Friday's second hand uniform shop sale. Following on from the success of last week's pop-up shop, they will be holding another one early in Term 3. If you require any second-hand uniform items urgently prior to this, you can contact Michelle on chelle.lehmann@gmail.com. Please only use email to ensure easy tracking of the uniform inventory.
Aquinas Long Walk
Today, ten of our Year 6 students participated in the Aquinas Long Walk as part of National Reconciliation Week events. Many local catholic primary and secondary schools were involved. Jack Peris, son of Olympian Nova Peris Kneebone, from the Long Walk foundation and some other Essendon Footballers were among the special guests in attendance.
Prep 2026
This week we will interview our final groups of Preps for 2026 and send out letters of offer.
We are thrilled with the interest in our school and have really enjoyed meeting all these eager young minds and their families and of course seeing many of our current families whose older siblings are already here at school.
St James School Bus
Some families may be aware of the daily School Bus service that students can take to arrive at school in the morning and take home in the afternoon. If families are interested and would like to know more about the service, please refer to the link below and reach out to the school's administration for further details.
Other Important Items:
- Please take care when dropping off and picking up your children. While the recommendation is to use the crossing to walk across Centre Road, if for any reason this is not possible then ALL STUDENTS MUST HOLD AN ADULT'S HAND WHILE CROSSING THE ROAD
- About Real Life Parent Info online session this Wednesday 4th June at 7pm - 8pm. If you have not already booked, please do so via this link https://www.trybooking.com/DCAJZ
- If anyone has lost their martial arts belt on the property, please contact the office
We have some pre service students teachers commencing at St James this week who will be learning from our classroom teachers, notably Jess in 2S and Amelia in 5S.
The St John's Parish Dinner Dance takes place on Saturday 5 July 2025 from 7pm to 12 midnight at St John’s Parish Hall, 494 Whitehorse Rd, Mitcham. Donation: $50 per person - Sumptuous buffet dinner by Sanni 18—BYO drinks
Proceeds to assist St John’s Parish. For tickets contact Max—0478 323 037 Anton—0408 950 334 or Parish Office—9401 6366
- Enjoy the Long Weekend ahead, with no school on Monday!
Hope you all have a great week ahead,
Dave