Principal's News
What interesting times that we live in.
At the moment we are saturated with a world that is struggling to establish itself as a harmonious world. The events in Ukraine are difficult for us to accept and comprehend.
As a St James Catholic community we have an obligation to ensure that we educate our children that a world of peace and kindness is maintained. Last week I read a comment by Hugh McKay, a renowned social psychologist, in his book ‘How we can restore hope, rebuild trust and inspire optimism’ when he writes about the need for a revolution of kindness, not the revolution that we are currently witnessing in Europe.
As he comments, “Revolutions never start at the top. If we dare to dream of a more loving country - kinder, more compassionate, more cooperative, more respectful, more inclusive, more egalitarian, more harmonious, less cynical - there’s only one way to start turning that dream into a reality: each of us must live as if already that country.’
The challenge for us is to ensure that our values of respect, inclusions and compassion are evident in all that we do as a community. The children receive that through our Respectful relationships curriculum and in their immersion in all that we do at school. Therefore this week we pray in this season of Lent a personal and community conversion,
Lord, help me to understand that
Kindness is not just a single act,
But what I do in word and deed repeatedly
to build a climate of love around me.
Kindness is a candle to keep burning brightly.
It is respecting and encouraging others,
standing up to defend them when they face bullying and intimidation.
Help me to continue learning the lesson that
Life is about living generously in the service of others.
Life is about who I am and how I love.
May we allow the risen Christ to infuse our minds and hearts with the grace of His kindness.
Amen
(from C. Gleeson SJ, Springboards – A Deeper Ignatian Way, Michael Wilkinson Publishing, 2020, pp.6-7)
We pray for the people of Ukraine,
That they may be granted peace;
We pray for the people of Russia,
That they may demand peace;
We pray for our country,
That we may be a positive part
Of peacemaking in this world.
O Prince of Peace,
Lead us from this dark time
To a deeper understanding
Of the global human family,
So all may break bread together
In the secure embrace of peace.
Amen.
Program Support for P - 2 children
On Friday 4th March the Foundation, Grade 1 and Grade 2 children completed their first session of the St James Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) run by Ashley - School Occupational Therapist. This is an exciting new program that the children are getting to take part in. The aim of PMP's is to develop a child’s awareness of themselves in the world around them. This is worked on by children participating in activities involving a combination of:
- Gross motor activities (ie; strength, balance, endurance)
- Visual motor activities (ie; coordination)
- Auditory motor activities (ie; following instructions, directions and locations)
- Motor planning
- Tactile activities (touch).
- Body awareness (ie; crossing the midline, bilateral coordination (using two hands) and left/right orientation).
PMP programs have been shown to improve executive functioning in children in their early years and have added benefits after 10 weeks of implementation such as longer and better concentration in the classroom; improved ability to complete tasks; and improved fine and gross muscle coordination.
Children will be taking part in this program multiple times each week so they can continue to develop and extend their skills. When able, we cannot wait to have parent's assistance running this too. For any further questions about this program please contact Ashley Whitelaw - School Occupational Therapist.
Ashley as the Occupational Therapist with the support of the teachers helps children do the everyday things they need or want to do.
This includes areas such as:
1. Gross motor skills such as sitting up, ball skills, running, and jumping
2. Self-care skills, such as eating, dressing, toileting, sleep
3. Self-regulation skills such as managing their emotions
4. Social-emotional skills including play, friendships, managing conflicts
5. Fine motor skills (handwriting, typing, using scissors, etc.).
6. Executive functioning (paying attention/focusing, understanding/following instructions etc.)
7. Sensory processing such as regulating through movements and integrating their sensory environment ie noise, smells, touch
2023 Enrolments
Important notice.
The most effective school promotion we can have is from our parents. St James is YOUR school. You have made the decision to choose St James as the school for your children. Whether it was last year or in previous years, you made a considered decision and have an investment in St James. Can I request all Mums and Dads continue to advocate for YOUR school.
Please send this message to any family who may be interested (Phone call, email, text etc). Not only parents of 3 and 4 year olds but also children in other Primary levels.
I am available to meet and chat to anyone who would like to know about St James.
Wonderful News
Ollie and Maddie wish to announce that they are proud older siblings of Adele Kate.
Born 2 March weighing 3.2kg.
Everyone is settling in well and Ollie and Maddie are enjoying reading her bedtime stories.
We wish Catherine, Mitch, Ollie, Maddie and Adele every happiness and joy with their beautiful family.
Faith in our future
Brendan