Principal's Post
Dear Families,
Our first Cinema Night on the oval for six years was a great success with approximately 500 in attendance. The weather was superb and the coffee, icy poles and popcorn proved a big hit too.
Congratulations to the Banks-Smith family who won the Gold Class Seats!
Thanks to the organising committee of Natalie Lim, Nadia Harris, Rachelle Mosca and Kylie Brooks and the Raffle team of Clemi Kohombanwickremage & Jason Barrie for running the VIP Gold Class raffle. Thanks also to the many volunteers who helped with set up, pack up, entry sign in, food organisation and general security. The evening would not be such an enjoyable experience without you volunteering your time.
Staffing News
Today we welcomed Emir Bajcic to our office administration team. Emir comes with great experience in the corporate world and is very keen and excited about joining our wonderful St James community. I know you will all be patient with Emir as she learns our St James systems and procedures.
Congratulations Kayleigh Darsas, who is expecting her second child later in the year. Kayleigh plans to continue teaching Year 5S on a Friday until mid year.
Congratulations to Cassie Pascoe, our Visual Arts Teacher who was married over the holidays and is taking a few days leave this week and next to go on her honeymoon.
Anne Hayes, who teaches Year 1S on a Thursday and Friday, is taking some Long Service Leave and will return next term. Louisa Norwell, who is very familiar to our students, will be teaching 1S on a Thursday and Friday.
Janelle, our Prep D Learning Support Officer is also taking some Long Service Leave commencing Wednesday and will return for the final week of this term. We have organised some of our regular replacement LSOs to be in Prep D to support the students during this time.
Friday 8 March School Closure Day
Please remember that this Friday is a school closure day. Staff will be onsite participating in Professional Learning related to both the Science of Learning and Student Wellbeing.
Camp Australia have their day care program running this Friday. Click here to book your child in for this exciting Forensic Investigation incursion. Further details below:
Open Day Tours and 2025 Prep Enrolments
Our Open Day Tours commence this Wednesday. Feel free to communicate this information to any friends or relatives who may be looking for a place for their child to commence Prep in 2025.
School Advisory Council Meeting Wed 6 March
This is our first meeting for the year. We will be electing our Chairperson and discussing a variety of matters which we will provide feedback to parents on, via our newsletter.
Working Bee Friday 15 March 3.30 - 5.30pm
We are expecting a big attendance at our first Working Bee for the year. There are many jobs to be completed including; moving mulch to the lower playground, giving our Art Show boards another coat of black paint, cleaning out the chook shed, general weeding, cleaning drains and restoring some veggie garden boxes and compost bins.
Please sign up via Operoo which will be sent out tomorrow.
Year 7 Enrolments for current Year Five students
Key Enrolment Dates for Year 5 Students in 2024 starting Year 7 in 2026
The key enrolment dates for students in Year 5 in 2024 who will be starting Year 7 in 2026 in a catholic secondary college have been agreed after consultation with the Executive of the Principals Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools (PAVCSS).
The timeline of events and dates are as follows:
Monday 29th January 2024 – Applications open for students commencing Year 7 in 2026.
Friday 16th August 2024 – Applications will close.
Friday 18th October 2024 – Offers will be posted to prospective Year 7 applicants.
Friday 8th November 2024 – Final date for parents/carers to accept an offer made by school.
Parents of Year 5 students in 2024, please diarise these dates so you don’t miss out.
Enjoy a great week ahead!
Dave