St James Executive Leadership 

Principal News

Dear Parents and Carers,

A year ago on 12th of May I had a missed call from Deb Egan - General Manager of the MACS Southern Office. When I returned her call she informed me that I was the successful applicant for the Principalship at St James, it brought me tears of joy, just as it does now when I think back now as I write this newsletter.  Following that call I recall a few staff members coming into my office, they could see that I had been crying. I had to think fast and make up a story that I was feeling tired.., which was far from the truth.  Truth be told I was sworn to secrecy and unable to share the news until the official announcement.  On the 15th May the staff gathered after school.  Simon Fitzpatrick and Fr Dean Mathesion attended the meeting.  Simon stood up and announced to the staff that I had been appointed, all that I remember was the cheering, applauding and tears of joy that followed.  The following day the staff and students all joined in to celebrate my appointment.

One year on and as I reflect on my first year as Principal, I'm filled with gratitude for the support, dedication, and lovely school and community we have.  Together, we've overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and achieved milestones. Thank you for entrusting me with this role, and here's to many more years of growth, collaboration, and success for St James!

A special thank you to the Principal appointment panel: Fr Dean Matheison, Simon Fitzpatrick, Carmel Stutterd, Cass White and Michelle Thomas for helping to make my dream come true!

Mother’s Day message

Sunday is Mother’s Day.  On behalf of the St James school community ‘Happy Mother's Day’ to all the incredible women who nurture, care, and love like mothers—whether you're a grandmother, aunt, mentor, or any other mother figure. Your love and guidance make a difference in countless lives. This special day is about celebrating you and all the ways you make the world brighter.

We especially keep in our hearts and minds the mother figures who are no longer with us.

As a school community we look forward to gathering and celebrating Mother’s Day on Saturday 17th May at Elwood Bathers.  Thank you to the dedicated team who have been working tirelessly to make this event possible.

Cross Country

Last week our students participated in the HOLT District Cross Country at Bald Hill Park.  Three of our students were placed in winning positions enabling them to qualify for the Beachside Division Cross County to be held on 30th May.

Thank you to the St James School community who came and watched and showed their unwavering support of our schools participation in sporting events.

Thank you also to Mrs Georgia McNamara for her role on the day as a co-chair of the HOLT Sports district and to the staff who supervised the students.

Once again well done to all of our students who participated in the event.  We are very proud of you all!

CEO Vinnies sleepout

I have some exciting news to share with you all. I've decided to participate in the upcoming Vinnies CEO Sleepout for the second year. 

This event is a powerful way to raise awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness in our community.

By taking part in the Sleepout, I aim to lead by example and demonstrate our school's values of courage and compassion.  I encourage each of you to join me in supporting this cause. Whether through donations, or spreading the word, every contribution makes a difference in the lives of those in need.

Let's come together as a school community and make a meaningful impact through our support of  the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

Thank you for your commitment to making a difference.

Fundraising Sausage Sizzle

To assist with our fundraising efforts we will have a sausage sizzle lunch next Wednesday.  If you would like to order lunch please see the attached trybooking link details.  Thank you in advance

Click here to book:  https://www.trybooking.com/CRRJZ

Drop Off / Pick Up Zones

Our drop off and pick up areas will remain in place. St James and Osbourne Close will be kiss and go areas for drop off and a quick pick up at school dismissal. However, we now ask that you park within the bays allocated in St James Close and supervise your children entering the school grounds.  Please be aware that this parking is a 2min parking zone. There is ample parking on North Road if you wish to enter the school at drop off and pick up times. Please be mindful of our neighbours when parking. 

I am aware that a number of families have expressed safety concerns with the current situation in dropping off and picking up in St James Close.  Some of you may be aware that parents have received parking infringements for dropping off students in St James Close and not adhering to the signage.  I am well aware of these concerns and can assure you that I am actively working on a solution.

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. Thank you!

School Marketing 2024 / 2025

A friendly reminder that  enrolments for the upcoming school year have closed and our waitlist is now open. If you're an existing family at St James or you know of a family considering enrolling their child at our school, now is the time to complete and submit an enrolment application.

Our school enrolment application form is now available via our school website.

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,

Students will now be wearing their full winter uniform until the end of term 3. Remembering the below list that was created by our wonderful SRC leaders in regards to the wearing of the St James uniform:

• Please do not wear the sports jacket over summer or winter uniform unless you're wearing your school jumper with it. 
• Plain white socks with the summer uniform and navy with the winter uniform.
• Hair ties, clips, ribbons or scrunchies need to be red, white or navy blue. 
• Studs or sleepers only for earrings. 
• Bracelets should be kept to a minimum

Please see below key dates:

Friday 10th May- Holt AFL/Netball Round 2 (Year 5 and 6 students only)

Wednesday 15th May- Sleepout BBQ fundraiser

Friday 17th May-Holt AFL/Netball Round 3 (Year 5 and 6 students only)

Saturday 18th May-Mothers Day Lunch

Tuesday 21st May-Year 1 and 2 Faith Night

Thursday 23rd May- Stay and Play

Thursday 23rd May- School Assembly #3

Friday 24th May- Holt AFL/Netball Round 4 (Year 5 and 6 students only)

Thursday 30th May- PA Meeting #4

Friday 31st May- Holt AFL/Netball Round 5 (Year 5 and 6 students only)

Thursday 6th June-Feast of St James Mass

Thursday 6th June-Stay and Play

Thursday 6th June- School Assembly #4

Friday 7th June-Staff Planning Day for Term 3-Whole School Closure for Students

Thursday 13th June-Holt Netball LP(selected students only)

Friday 14th June-Holt AFL LP-(selected students only)

Thursday 20th June-St Vinnies Sleepout -Carmelina

Thursday 20th June- Stay and Play

Thursday 20th June- School Assembly #5

Monday 24th June-Parent Teacher Interviews-1.30pm finish

Tuesday 25th June-Parent Teacher Interviews-normal finish time 3.30pm

Friday 28th June- End of Term finish 3.30pm 

Emma Herbert and Georgia McNamara

Deputy Principals