St James Learning and Teaching 

SUSTAINABILITY  &  STEM

Port Phillip EcoCentre School Sustainability Festival

On Thursday the 5th of September the Year 6 STEM Leaders and students from Year 5 attended the School Sustainability Festival at St Kilda Town Hall. The students participated in various activities led by students at other local schools, members of the Port Phillip EcoCentre and professionals that work in the field of sustainability, including Zoos Victoria. These workshops focused on how we can look after our environment at home and school, explained how we can care for animals by using bubbles instead of balloons and taught us about various creatures in our local environment. The students also heard from members from our local government who shared how we can care for our bay. The students were presented with a Stepping Up for Sustainability Award and two native plants that we can grow in our Tilley Garden.

STEM MAD

Last week, a team of Year ¾ students were involved in STEM MAD. STEM MAD is a showcase for Primary and Secondary students across all MACS schools so share an idea that can make a difference to others or the environment. This team was selected to present their idea called ‘Safe Place’ which is an app and wristband that allows homeless people and people in need to receive discounts on items such as food, clothing, medical supplies and bedding. The app also allows people to search for places in our community such as safe sleeping places, soup vans and laundry facilities. The students did a fantastic job pitching their idea to judges, industry professionals, teachers and other students. They also got the opportunity to share their idea with Ryan from Lego Masters.

Miss Bridie Slater

Maths & STEM Leader

Sport

Holt District Athletics was unfortunately cancelled due to inclement weather. BUT it has been rescheduled for Monday 7th October. An Operoo has been sent asking all families to confirm they will be in attendance on this new date. If you already know your child will be unable to attend please let me know so I can make the changes to the team list. 

Hoop Time was held on Tuesday 17th September for our grades 3 and 4 students. We had 5 teams competing in the All Stars, Future Stars and Rookies divisions. St James is one of the only schools in attendance who gives everyone the opportunity to take part in this event. We were super proud of our students who played with courage but resilience also. Team sports are a great way to support our students emotional and physical wellbeing. A huge thank-you to Michelle T who coached the All Star Boys team and Irina N who supported the Rookies. We also had great support from many parents who came to watch the students play. The students love seeing you attend these events also. 

Footy Colours Day - today our sports leaders did a fabulous job of running tabloid football activities for all students. They were involved in handballing, football tag, relays, goal kicking and marking games. There was also a parade of all students in their football team colours. A huge thank you to our Year 6 parents who organised a sausage sizzle for the students at lunchtime. Money raised will go towards the Year 6 graduation. 

Mrs Georgia McNamara

Deputy Principal - Sport Co-Ordinator/ Senior Physical Education Teacher

Year 2

Mrs Cathy Busch

Year 2 Teacher