Principal's News
Newsletter Week 6 Term 3 2022
First Eucharist / Reflection
Whoever will share in the bread and wine will dwell in me and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I am alive because of the Father, so too those who eat and drink will live because of me.
The union that we also share through the Last Supper / Eucharist enabled the disciples to draw life from Jesus, as he, in turn, drew life from his Father in a shared commitment to the life of the world.
The life of Jesus, truly nourished the life of disciples.
The Eucharist as a memorial of Jesus will continue to nourish our First Communicants.
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On Thursday the Year 4 children gathered together in preparation and celebration for their First Eucharist which will be celebrated on Saturday at 2pm at St Joan of Arc church.
This is the second sacrament of initiation into our Catholic community after receiving the sacrament of Baptism with their parents and godparents and other family members a few years earlier. As a Cathoic school we are different from other educational settings because of our liturgical and sacramental faith development.
From the moment a child steps foot in a Catholic school, they ought to have the impression of entering a new environment, one illuminated by the light of faith and having our own unique characteristics. Our school environment is permeated with the Gospel spirit of love and justice for others.
This Saturday the children will be gathered at the altar of the Eucharist, a highpoint of our Christian faith. Our children and family members will be nourished in their faith journey as we remember the life and resurrection of Jesus.
The faith development of our children, staff and families in preparation for and participation in the sacramental life of the Church, is among one of the highest concerns for our Catholic school. The school in partnership with you as parents, who are the first and most important educators of your children, work together to support our children.
We congratulate our Year 4 children, their teachers and parents with what will be a beautiful celebration on Saturday.
Many thanks to our teachers Miss Contin, Ms Corio, Mrs Busch, Mrs Conway and Mrs Herbert for the preparation of our children.
Junior Literacy Parent Helpers Morning
Well done Junior Team!
On Monday morning we had over 20 parents attend the Junior Literacy Parent Helpers Morning, which was a great turnout of Mums and Dads! The parents were very impressed with the learning they witnessed this morning. They were surprised by the students' engagement, focus and independence. They could see the complexity of the craft of teaching and the way tasks are differentiated to meet the needs of students.
Most importantly, the morning had a lovely 'feel' and was a positive way to reconnect, develop family engagement and move forward.
Well done to Bridie, Mandi and Cass, who took 20+ parents wandering through their classrooms in their stride!
- Olivia Quinlan
Math at St James
Today was probably the largest number of parents we have had into our Learning spaces.
What a morning!! Plenty of school energy and enthusiasm. How pleased were the children to see Mum and Dad at school as big students learning with them. Many smiles and giggles to share in the learning engagement.
To say that we are overwhelmed by the number of parents and some grandparents to attend would be a huge understatement. Judging by today's positive response we can now say that we have moved beyond the limitations and restrictiveness of maintaining a safe school environment.
Today was such a happy, engaging learning opportunity for our children, parents and staff.
This was an extension of the Learning Walks that we have had in the past, to a whole school immersion into Math learning at St James.
It was wonderful to be able to show parents how we utilize the learning spaces in each room and into the breakout spaces. For some this is the first time that you have had a chance to see first hand the St James learning style and the contemporary teaching of Mathematics.
In today’s classrooms, we emphasize learning mathematics with understanding rather than remembering rules and procedures which may not ‘make sense’. Mathematics makes sense when taught with an emphasis on developing deep understanding.
A massive thank you to Mrs Belinda Mihalicek and all the teachers for opening up the learning spaces. Special cheers to Michelle and David Thomas who organized the coffee cart which allowed us to commence that day with parents fuelled up and to follow with morning tea.
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Please read the Colour Run & Parents Association Newsletter Items as the information from Connie and Virginia will unpack for you the array of school events and school spirit in the coming weeks.
Faith in our future
Brendan