Dear Families,

This Friday signifies the halfway mark of the term.

And ... I only have 2 weeks left before I jet set off to the USA.

I was overwhelmed and humbled by the kindness of all the wonderful St James families who truly spoiled me on Friday with the wonderful card, photos, messages and gifts. Thank you for your generosity, I really appreciate it and felt very special. Over the weekend, I sat down by the fire with a nice cold beverage and read through the lovely messages in the book.

Well done to our Interschool Sports girls netball team who competed in the Eastern Regional Competition today. They made it all the way to semi- finals and lost by a goal in the last seconds. They came 4th overall and we are very proud of their efforts. Thanks also to Michael McMahon who coached them throughout the campaign. We really appreciate your time.

St James Disco - Thursday 13th August

The students are very excited about our upcoming Disco on Thursday night.

Tickets are $15 and include a snack box and are available now on CDFpay.

Bookings close at 8pm on Wednesday night!!

Obviously, no phones or other electronic devices with cameras are to be brought to the disco. With so many students arriving and departing, please remind your children to be patient and line up for sign in and exit procedures.

Uniform shop will be available in the Quadrangle near the flagpoles during the school disco from 5:45pm - 6:30pm. Thanks to Michelle & Bianca for facilitating this.

Next Week House Colour Fun Week

Our Year Six House Leaders will be running a variety of lunchtime activities including a staff student netball match. Stay tuned for further information to come home by Friday.

St James Bunnings BBQ

Thanks to all our parents who volunteered their time on Saturday helping out on the Bunnings BBQ. It was a great success raising over $1,300 for our P&F. A huge shout out to Dan Savoia for coordinating it all and all the volunteers who helped out in the lead up and on the day, ensuring it ran smoothly.

School Advisory Council Meeting #4 Last Week

Members viewed a presentation by Veronica Brightwell, our Learning Diversity Leader, exploring how the school supports students with diverse learning needs and strengthens partnerships with families to ensure every child is able to flourish and achieve success.

Council members also discussed the significant work underway to review and update school policies. Appreciation was expressed for the dedication of staff leading this important work.

Preparations for the upcoming MACSSIS surveys were considered, with Council recognising the value of family and student feedback in shaping future school improvement initiatives.

The meeting also included a considered discussion around the school's budget and future fee setting. Council members explored ways to respond to system-wide financial pressures while maintaining a strong focus on student learning, wellbeing, and the high-quality opportunities that St James families value. Members affirmed the school's commitment to supporting the learning and wellbeing of each child. Further discussion regarding the 2027 school fees will take place at the next meeting.

Parent Teacher Student Learning Conferences

These will be held on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th September.

Bookings will be available shortly.

Child Safe Standards

With the importance and commitment that we place on student safety as a school system, please take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the information in the

Child Safe Standard Five Parent/Carer Newsletter.

Upcoming P & F Events

School Disco- 13th August- THIS WEEK

Get your last minute tickets on CDF Pay.

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED PLEASE - https://volunteersignup.org/PCPBF

2nd Hand Uniform Stall- 13th August

Will be open between 5:30-6:45pm during the disco in the meeting room in the old office building

Fathers Day Breakfast and Stall- 4th September

Breakfast bookings now open on CDF Pay, more info on stall coming soon

Friday Treats

Just a few more volunteers needed for this term please- https://volunteersignup.org/T8HPD

St John’s Parish Fete- 21st November

Save the date! More information coming soon

Have a great week,

Dave

Important Dates

2026 Dates

Term Three

August

September

Term Dates

Parish - Information and Mass times