Principal's News

Welcome back to Term 4.

I trust that the school break was a time of relaxation and fun with your family and friends and that you are recharged and ready for what will be a hectic term. At the staff Monday morning briefing I mentioned that we can be overwhelmed with what is ahead of us for the remaining 11 weeks. If we approach the term, one week at a time, and from day to day we will achieve what is planned.

The final stages of the physical transformation of St James is nearing completion. There was further work scheduled during the two week break when the children were away and the grass is being completed this week. All will be in readiness for tomorrow's Grandparents and Special Friend day. Our seniors will be impressed by what has happened in the past 12 months. We even have a lift which will assist those who may prefer not to take the stairs. This day is probably the best attended day of the year. Many of our loved ones travel long distances to view the educational facilities that their grandchildren have today. Many thanks to the Year 1 parents who have catered for the day.

The schedule for the day is as follows.

Guests are expected to arrive after recess at 11:30 a.m. and gather in the Year 5 open learning space

11:30 – 12 p.m. Year 5 open learning space for approx. 30 mins

12:00 - 12:20 p.m. classroom visit

12:20 - 1:00 p.m. morning tea/coffee

The Year 6 children will lead the day and we look forward to their leadership and the beautiful time that the children will have as they break out into different parts of the school.

Congratulations to 25 children and parents who attended the Wearable Technology expo at Latrobe University on Sunday 6th October. The creative designs using assistive design technology is a project that was led by Mr McMahon in Term 3. Allowing children to create, design and present a garment is a further example of engaging our student imagination. Well done to all who give of their time not only on Sunday but throughout the term.

During the break Mrs Emma Herbert and I with three staff members from St Joan of Arc were part of the parish pilgrimage to the Middle East, in particular Jordan and Israel. We only returned last Saturday night and are still adjusting to the time change and also from the intensive fortnight of venues of religious significance visited. In subsequent newsletters we will give some insights to the biblical understandings. Mrs Herbert today has indicated to me today that she was able to provide the Year 6 students of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and the geography and social context of the time.

Grandparents Day Poem

Grandparents are special people

with wisdom and pride.

They are always offering love and kindness

and are always there to guide.

They often make you feel so confident

and strong.

Their arms are always open

no matter what you did wrong.

They try to help out in every way

that they can.

They love all their grandchildren the same