This Week's Updates
Dear Families,
Our Grade 5 students recently enjoyed an exciting and educational school camp at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. Over the course of their visit, the students immersed themselves in the life of the 1850s gold rush era. They explored historical streets and buildings, engaging in hands-on activities that brought history to life.
Highlights of the camp included panning for gold, where students had the chance to experience a key aspect of the gold rush, and visiting the old-time shops and workshops to learn about trades and crafts of the period. They also attended the costume school where interactive sessions led by costumed educators, provided insights into daily life during the gold rush, the significant events of the time and relevantly, how education was back in the days of the gold rush.
The camp was not only a fun experience but also an enriching educational opportunity. It allowed students to connect with history in a tangible way, fostering a deeper understanding of Australia’s past. The students returned with a greater appreciation for history and memorable experiences to share. We are all very grateful to the staff who attended the camp and those who made necessary adjustments back at school to support the camp.
District Sports
- Tuesday 10th September: District Athletics (for selected students) at the Tom Kelly Reserve in Doncaster. Good luck to all competing athletes. Please see schedule below:
Learning Conferences
Our Learning Conferences will take place on Thursday 19th & Friday 20th September.
If you have not already booked a time in with your child's teacher, please do so before Friday 13 September. All details are in the Operoo that was sent last week.
Please note that to allow for our Learning Conferences, school finishes on Thursday 19 September this term. Camp Australia will run a day program on Friday 20 September. Please book your spot via the Camp Australia App.
St James former student shining bright!
Emerging Hawk Hayley McLaughlin made her AFLW debut on Saturday after being named in Hawthorn's team to face Collingwood at Victoria Park. 18-year-old Hayley is a former St James student and older sister of Ben McLaughlin in Grade 5. Hayley joined Hawthorn via the AFLW Expansion Pre-Signing Period following a dominant junior career with the Eastern Ranges and Vic Metro. Well done Hayley! We are very proud of you and look forward to following your AFLW career.
MACSSIS Annual Surveys
Our annual surveys will be distributed to Years 4 - 6 students this weeks. The anonymous data we collect provides feedback into numerous aspects of our St James school community and helps set the direction for our 2025 Annual Action Plan. Last week we sent a survey link to all families with a unique family login code which keeps the responses anonymous. We ask all families to participate in this process. To encourage all families to complete the survey, we will be giving a free lamington to all students whose parents complete the survey. Thanks to all the families who have completed the survey already. As you complete the survey please complete the google form here to inform us. This will also help us distribute lamingtons.
St James Art Show - THIS WEEK
Our much anticipated Art Show is almost upon us. Cassie McCafferty and the entire staff have put a tremendous amount of work into preparing and displaying the students artwork and we are so excited to share their talents with all of you this week. Please make some time to come along as your children are eager to share their works of art with you. Times are below:
Tickets for our Art Show are available via the CDF Pay App. Tickets are $5 per family. The Art Show will commence on Thursday 12th. Viewing days and times are as follows:.
- Opening Ceremony
- Thursday 12 September 2:30pm
- Viewing Times
- Thurs 12 & Fri 13 Sept, 3 - 4pm
- Fri 13 & Mon 16 Sept, 8.30 - 9.15am
- Sun 15 September, 10am - 12pm
Footy Colours Dress Up Day
Thursday 19 September - come dressed in your teams uniform or colours from any football code. Gold coin donation please.
School Disco - Save the Date!
Parish Fete
The fete's success relies on the participation of the whole Parish and we are hoping that you will actively be involved in our wonderful Fete this year. It's a great day for the whole family and the kids love attending.
This year's fete will be on Saturday 16 November. All families are expected to contribute to our fete. This year, as a fete committee, we are discussing the possibility of asking for volunteers to sign up earlier than in the past to help avoid that last minute panic.
Building Update
The electrical rough in continues this week and the external walls and windows should commence the following week. We may be at lockup by the commencement of next term.
Remember there is no marathon club for the remainder of the term.
Hope you all have a great week,
Dave