Principal's Post

Dear Families,

Firstly, it was simply brilliant to welcome our 2021 Preps and their parents into the school grounds on Friday morning. First day photos in the rain will be memorable indeed!

It was also lovely to catch up with all other students throughout the week as they came in for their assessments. The assessment results are to help class teachers commence learning this week pitched at the appropriate level for each student.

It was also very satisfying to have our outdoor, whole school assembly this morning.

Because we don't have any photo permission from our new families yet, here are some prep day one snapshots of some St James families who have more than one child here.

I also welcome everyone to our first newsletter of the year. For those families new to St James, newsletters are be published each fortnight. Each alternate week we will send out an Update Sheet. I encourage all families to take the time to read through the many pages we have in the newsletter, firstly, to discover many of the curriculum and other news regarding what is taking place here at St James. Secondly, there is vital information regarding upcoming dates and events that we do not want you or your children to miss out on.

Friday Prayer Service

This Friday 5 February we will hold our first afternoon prayer service which will focus on us clapping in the new  Preps and our Badge Presentation for our Year Six students and SRC members.  Unfortunately we are unable to allow any adults inside due to the density limits of our Community Centre. We are investigating some possibilities for Yr 6 parents to be able to view their children receiving their leadership badge from Neil Angus, our local state MP.

We will take plenty of photos to share.

Sunday Founders' Day and Prep Welcome Mass

This Sunday 7 February all St James' families are invited to attend the 9.45am Mass at our St John's church. This is an opportunity to welcome our new Preps, celebrate the beginning of our school year and recognize Nicole and Garry Vernal who have contributed so much to the life of our St John's Parish.

Class Information Sessions

Due to COVID restrictions we are unable to have large numbers of parents on site, indoors - so these sessions will be held via google hangout meets for all Years Prep to Five. We understand that families have students in various levels of the school and the scheduling we have proposed best caters for most families. Teachers will ensure handouts are sent home to all families.

Links will be sent out next week by class teachers.

On Tuesday 9 February, the Year Six Information Meeting will be on site with one parent from each family permitted to attend at 6 - 7.15pm in the Community Centre. The agenda will include: curriculum information, school leadership and camp information

Wednesday 10 February google meetings

6 - 6.45pm Prep and Year One

6.45 - 7.30pm Year Two and Year Three

7.30 - 8.15pm Year Four and Year Five

It is important that families attend these sessions to meet teachers online and gain an understanding of the year ahead for your child.

School Times

8.30        Teachers on Duty as students enter via one of three gates

8.45        Music plays and students move into classrooms

8.50        Meditation and roll taken in classrooms

9.00        Lessons commence

11.00      Lunch eating time

11.10      Lunch Playtime

12.00      Lessons resume in classrooms

2.00        Recess play break

2.25        Lessons resume in classrooms

3.20        Dismissal - students exit via one of three gates

School Uniform

All students should be wearing their Summer uniform which includes black school shoes.

Any hair ties or scrunchies must be in the school colours. Long hair must be tied back for all students.

Ear rings must only be studs or sleepers

Watches may be worn (it is recommended that expensive watches do not come to school)

Sports uniform, including runners must only be worn on designated Physical Education Days. (Skorts are an optional part of the sports uniform)

Tuesdays: Yr 6, Yr 4, Prep O (Prep K in Feb only)

Wednesdays: Yr 3, 2S, Prep K

Thursdays: Yr 5, Yr 1, 2D

Students will be given a reminder and then receive a consequence for wearing inappropriate uniform. Of course if there is a good reason why students are not in the correct uniform please send along an explanation to your child's class teacher and we will completely understand.

A few brief updates

• School Fee accounts will be sent out next week
• All students MUST have a school hat to wear when outside at all times
• Please advise the office if you have changed your details - new phone number, occupation, address etc....
• Return all student medical information if relevant to your child - asthma, anaphylaxis, etc...
• Newsletters are sent out every fortnight, with an update sheet only on alternate weeks.  If you do not receive a copy please contact the office as we may not have your email address
• Please be aware of the 2 min drop off zones around the school streets, especially in Centre Rd outside the school