Principal's Post
Dear Families,
Welcome to the last week of Term 3! It's been an action-packed term with the main events being 100 Days of Prep, Mini Mission Fete, the Art Show, Prom Night, Confirmation, Book Week, lots of special food days and Year 5 Camp.
Our Year 5 students had a wonderful time on Camp at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat where they fully immersed themselves in Colonial Life from Wednesday to Friday last week. They panned for gold, went to a gold making session, went underground for an exciting mine tour, watched skilled blacksmiths and candle-makers at work, and even experienced a strict 19th-century classroom lesson, fully dressed in clothes of that era. Beyond the history lessons, students loved exploring the town, visiting the famous sweet shop for a boiled lolly demonstration, and enjoying time with their friends.
It was fantastic to watch our students build independence, show wonderful team spirit, and embrace every hands-on activity with enthusiasm. A huge thank you to our dedicated teachers and LSOs who organised and attended the camp!
MACSSIS Survey
Families received the link with a unique pin via email from lisa.morris@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au on Monday 31 August. Only 1/5th of our families have completed the survey so far. We do rely heavily on our community participating in these surveys that have such an impact on the way that our school operates. Please complete the survey by Friday 18 September 2026.
To say thank you for your time, every family that completes the survey can submit this form for their child/ren to receive a free lamington on the last day of term.
Term Four Uniforms
From the beginning of Term 4 students can choose to wear their Summer or Winter uniform depending on the weather. Students should come in full Summer uniform from Week 3. In line with our Sunsmart Policy, Students have already started to wear their school hat from last week. Students can bring their own sunscreen along if they need to apply during school hours.
New Students Starting Term Four
Next term we welcome three new students to St James -Alex in 1A, Zoe in 2H and Paddy in 2P. We are looking forward to welcoming them and their families to our lovely community.
2027 Prep Information
Our 2027 Prep Parents will have their Prep Parent Information evening on Tuesday 6th October and our first transition for next years Preps will be on Wednesday 7th October. We look forward to welcoming all our new Preps to St James!.
Book Fair
Our 2026 Scholastic Book Fair will run from Tuesday 13th October to Friday 16th October (before and after school). It is a great opportunity to start stocking up on Christmas presents with the added bonus that a percentage of all book sales will go towards resourcing our school library. More information next term!
Lost Property
There are significant amount of school jackets that are in lost property. Please encourage your child/ren to look for any missing jackets this week as the tubs will be cleared out over the holidays. Any unnamed jackets that are left on Friday will be kindly donated to the second hand uniform shop.
Learning Conferences this week
Learning conferences are on this Thursday and Friday. Bookings close tomorrow, Tuesday at 5pm so please ensure you have booked your timeslot. Students will not have classes on the Friday and should only attend if they have a scheduled onsite conference.
Thursday 17th September, (Onsite) – 3:40 pm to 7:00 pm Friday 18th September, (Onsite) – 8:30 am to 10:00 am
Friday 18th September (Online) – 10:30 am to 11:30 am
MACSEYE Operating Friday
MACSEYE will operate a full day program. You can register a place for your child if required. Please register your children here if you require this service for your child.
If you have any questions you can email MACSEYE directly at enrolments@macseye.vic.edu.au
Footy Dress Up Day & Food Day
This Thursday, students are welcome to wear their favourite team's colours — footy shorts, a guernsey or top — or simply pair their school shorts or casual shorts with their team's colours.
Don't forget that if you have ordered pies and sausage rolls, your child will only need to bring freggie and snack.
We’d love some more volunteers to help pack the lunch bags on the day please, https://volunteersignup.org/B9XQQ
Child Safe Standards
With the importance and commitment that we place on student safety as a school system, please take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the information in the Child Safe Standard Eight Parent/Carer Newsletter.
Dad's Night Out - Friday 16th October
Please book your place on CDF Pay, we’d love to see all the Dad’s there!! See flyer below for details.
St John's Fete - 21st November
St Johns Fete is fastly approaching. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. Please refer to the St John's Fete page.
Help needed at the Farm
We urgently need helpers on the following dates:
- Wednesday 23rd September & Thursday 24th September
- Sunday 27th September & Monday 28th September
- Tuesday 29th September & Wednesday 30th September
Please contact Jo at joanne.magnik@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au to lock in your preferred dates.
Hope you have a lovely week and enjoy the school holidays.
Anita