St James Executive Leadership
Principal and Deputy Principal News
Principal News
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the end of Term 3, it’s incredible to reflect on how busy yet rewarding this term has been, filled with countless meaningful learning experiences for our students.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all families for their continued support of our school’s initiatives. By doing so, you show your children the importance of fostering strong home-school partnerships. We are truly fortunate to have such a caring and supportive community here at St James—we are one big family!
I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at St James for their unwavering commitment to teaching and nurturing your children.
Wishing all our families a safe and relaxing holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back for the final term of the year, which promises to be filled with many exciting opportunities for our students to learn and share their skills with the school community.
END OF TERM PRAYER
We thank you Lord, for this term.
For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt. Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends. Give us strength and courage to do what is right; to be witnesses of our faith. Help us to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others, to be peacemakers in our family. Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun. Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term. We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and our St James School community that cares for us.
May we always be conscious of you in our lives.
Amen
Staffing update
I would like to inform you that our Occupational Therapist, Ashley Whitelaw, will be taking leave for the remainder of the year. During her absence, we will be working to ensure that the necessary support and resources remain available for students who may require assistance. We are currently in the final stages of appointing a replacement OT.
We understand that Ashley has built strong relationships with many of our students, and we are committed to minimising any disruption during this time. If you have any concerns or require additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We wish Ashley all the best during this period and look forward to her return in the new year.
MACSSIS: School Improvement Surveys
A friendly reminder that the survey portal will close on the 20th September.
We value our community’s opinions are critical to understanding how our school is performing – MACSSIS is a key data source for guiding the ongoing work to improve our school. We thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey.
Colour Explosion Run
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your enthusiastic participation in the recent Color Explosion Run. The vibrant energy and community spirit truly made it a memorable event for our school.
A special thank you goes to Kate Korber, Mrs. Georgia McNamara, and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event a success. We also thank all of you for supporting your children in fundraising, enabling us to continue raising funds for new Smartboards.
Being slimed was definitely one of the highlights for the day!
MACSEYE - Before and After School care at St James
Recently all families received information regarding our new ‘Outside School Hours Service’ to commence here at St James at the beginning of Term 4. A copy of the COMMS is attached here for your reference.
MACSEYE is a newly approved provider, set up by the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic
Schools (MACS) offer a range of early childhood and school aged care programs.
MACSEYE is committed to see every child and family flourish. Their programs are designed
to foster a sense of identity, health and well-being.
As a Catholic provider, MACSEYE will have strong links with our school and local parish,
working together to build a vibrant community of support for children and families.
MACSEYE is an approved registered provider, and sets a high standard of quality in line
the National Quality Standards.
I’m confident MACSEYE will provide a high quality service for our students.
Families who need Outside School Hours Care will need to enrol with MACSEYE. Please
refer to the attached flyer which has the enrolment link.
If you have any questions, please let me know or you can also email MACSEYE directly at
Football Grand Final 2024
The students enjoyed our final day of school focusing on Footy Day. It was great to see all students get into the spirit by wearing their team colours. Thank you to the Year 6 sport leaders, and their parents for organising a number of different activities and Hot dog lunch. Thank you to the staff and year 6 parents for supporting this initiative.
‘Cause there's one day in September
We want to remember
There isn't any doubting
We'll be in the shouting
Football's such a part of this whole town
And we know that you won't let us down!
Staff Tips
Miss Corio - Geelong
Mrs Herbert - Sydney
Mrs McNamara - Geelong or could be Brisbane Lions!
Mr Niarros - Geelong
Mrs Franich - Sydney
Mrs Webster - Geelong
Mrs Cuaresma - Brisbane
Miss Broeron - Geelong
Miss Hansen - Sydney
Miss Taylor - Sydney
Miss Slater - Sydney
Miss Whitelaw - Brisbane
Mrs McCord - Sydney
Mrs Busch - Sydney
Mr Peyton - Brisbane
Miss McGaffin - Sydney
Mrs Fatouros - Sydney
Mrs Egan - Sydney
Miss Marinelli - Sydney
Mrs Henderson - Geelong
Mrs De Lutiis - Geelong
Safety: Adhering to Speed limits around the School
As we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our students, I am reaching out to remind everyone of the importance of adhering to speed limits around the school premises in particular St James Closes and Osbourne Close. With the new Term underway, it is crucial that we all take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe environment for the students at the school as well as neighboring schools.
Speed limits in school zones are set for a reason. They are designed to protect students, parents, and staff during peak hours of arrival and dismissal. Driving at safe speeds gives drivers ample time to react to sudden movements or unexpected events, such as children crossing the street.
Here are a few key reminders:
Observe Speed Limits: Always drive within the posted speed limits, especially in school zones.
Be Alert: Stay vigilant for children who may suddenly appear between parked cars.
Follow Traffic Signs: Pay close attention to all school zone signs, including No Standing, Keep Clear and Pedestrian crossings.
Use Designated Drop-Off Areas: Utilise the designated drop-off and pick-up areas to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and safety for all. Please adhere to the time limits.
By following these guidelines, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer environment for our children. Your cooperation and commitment to safe driving practices are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Let’s work together to keep our school community safe.
School Security
If you are dropping off or picking up students between 9.00am and 3.30pm, please ensure that this is done so via St James Close and the front office. For security reasons we would like to ensure anyone entering or leaving the school during class time does so via the main entrance. The doors are locked once the school day commences. Please ring the doorbell and a member of staff will let you in. Thank you!
School Enrolments 2025
The 2025 academic year is fast approaching. A friendly reminder that school enrolments are now open for new students! At St James, we are committed to providing a well rounded education that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility whilst maintaining our Catholic tradition.
To enrol your child, please visit our website http://www.stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au for detailed instructions and required documentation.
We encourage you to share this exciting news with friends and family who may be interested in joining our school community. Prospective families are invited to schedule a personalised school tour.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school directly on ph 03 9596-4766 or via email: info@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au
Thanks in advance!
COVID Safe Protocols
St James Catholic Primary School (School Portal)
Please click here to access the School Portal https://sites.google.com/stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au/stjamescatholicprimaryschool-r/school-portal-home-page
Social Media - Please follow, like and share our school Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Feeds.
School Website: www.stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au
Twitter: St James Catholic Primary School, 3186
Instagram: stjamesbrighton3186
Facebook: @stjamesbrighton3186
Please stay safe and healthy.
Carmelina Corio
Principal
Deputy Principal News
Hello Everyone,
In the last fortnight we held our St James Soiree where our keyboard students and Miss Leisa’s dance class students performed plus a chess tournament facilitated by Harry, Zavier and Nic. We also had 4 students represent St James at the STEM MAD exhibition from year 3. We had a camp information session for our Year 3/4 students who will be heading off to Dromana in Week 1 of Term 4. We had an assembly where we celebrated many of our students' wonderful achievements. We had activities for R U OK? Day (thank-you to Ella, Evie H, Tilayo and Jazzy our Year 6 Wellbeing leaders for facilitating this), we also had our Colour Explosion Run and a Planning Day for staff.
This week our Year 3/4 students attended Hoop Time on Tuesday and today we celebrate Footy Colours day. None of these events can occur without the help of members of our community.
Thank-you to Michelle for coaching and Irina for accompanying the Basketball Players. Our Year 6 parents who organised the sausage sizzle for Footy Colours day and last but not least our parent volunteers who were at the Colour Explosion run. From parents who walked with the students to the park, parents who collected the equipment and ran the activities to Kate Korber who co-ordinated the entire event for the 3rd year in a row. I am sure you would all agree that Kate goes above and beyond to run this event. Her expertise and knowledge in running this event has been invaluable to our community. Thank-you very much Kate. Next year she will hand over the reins to Annika. We wish Annika Good Luck!
A huge thank-you to all families and students for wearing their hats. For those who have not brought them to school we have been handing out spares each day. The summer uniform can be worn from the first day of term 4 with a two week change over. We expect all students to be fully transitioned into the summer uniform at the beginning of week 3, Monday 21/10/24.
Remember tomorrow is a TIL day for staff so there will be no school for students. We will all return well rested on Monday 7th October for our first day of Term 4.
Key Dates in Term 4.
Monday 7th October-Holt Athletics Carnival (selected students only)
Thursday 10th and Friday 11th October Year 3/4 Don Bosco camp
Monday 14th October Year 6 Confirmation Reflection Day
Wednesday 16th October SAC Meeting 5.30-6.30pm
Thursday 17th October PA Meeting 7.30-8.30pm
Friday 18th October Bike Education Program
Friday 18th October Assembly 2.45-3pm
Sunday 20th October Year 6 Confirmation 1pm at St Joan of Arc
Monday 21st October Summer Uniform to be worn by all students
Monday 28th October Susan McLean Cyber Safety Expert Information Session
Thursday 31st October Stay and Play 9.15-10am
Friday 1st November Yoga with Jackie
Friday 1st November Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Friday 1st November Assembly
Monday 4th November School Closure Day TIL
Tuesday 5th November Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Wednesday 6th November SAC Meeting 5.30-6.30pm
Thursday 7th November St James Art Show 5-7pm
Friday 8th November Yoga with Jackie
Thursday 14th November Stay and Play 9.15-10am
Friday 15th November Assembly
Monday 18th November School Swimming Program Begins for Students in Prep-Year 5
Thursday 21st November Year 6 Water Safety Program- Brighton SLSC All Day
Friday 22nd November- School Closure Day 2025 Planning Day
Thursday 28th November School Swimming Program Final Day
Thursday 28th November Stay and Play
Friday 29th November St James School Swimming Carnival and 2025 Swimming Trials
Monday 2nd December Prep 2025 Orientation Session 1
Thursday 5th December SAC Annual General Meeting 7-9pm
Monday 9th December 2025 Prep Orientation Session 2
Monday 9th December Year 4 Students visit St Mary’s College St Kilda All Day
Wednesday 11th December Year 6 Luna Park Celebration Day
Thursday 12th December Stay and Play final session
Friday 13th December Semester 2 Reports released
Friday 13th December Final Assembly for 2024
Monday 16th December Move Up Morning for all students
Monday 16th December 2025 Prep Orientation session 3
Monday 16th December Year 6 Graduation 5-9pm
Tuesday 17th December Final Day of 2024 1.30pm finish.
SAVE THE DATE
On Monday 28th October Susan McLean from CyberSafety Solutions will be holding a presentation for all parents in our community in regards to keeping our students safe online. There will be no charge to St James families to attend this evening. Please see below further information in regards to Susan’s credentials and what her presentation will cover.
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, St James is now a Donation Partner for the Container Deposit Scheme. This means that each time you return your containers to Return-It Locations in the Victorian East Zone, you can choose to donate the money to St James. This term any money raised will be donated to STEM
@ St James School.
You can either search for and donate to St James or you can use our Donation Partner ID or Barcode.
Our Zone ID barcode is:
Thank you for helping us support our students and make a difference to our environment.
Emma Herbert and Georgia McNamara
Deputy Principals