This Week's Updates

Dear Families,

Many of our Year Six students received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday afternoon at our St John's parish church. Bishop Les Tomlinson confirmed the students while Fr Dispin concelebrated the mass.

I was very proud of our students who spoke up confidently and loudly when asked. Thank you to our school choir members who came along to sing and Dora Gyimesi - Horvath who played the cello so beautifully.

Book Week Parade

This term we are celebrating Book Week during Week Six with a dress-up  parade for all students on Monday 19th August following our 8:50am assembly. This year's theme is Reading is Magic.  This is a good opportunity to celebrate a love of reading and quality literature.  Students can choose to dress as a character from any book they enjoy.  This is a great chance for you to share some of your favourite books and characters.   We encourage everyone to be creative and use what you have at home rather than buying costumes.

Parents are very welcome to stay for the Parade at the conclusion of our assembly.

A Parent Education Evening Not to be Missed

Wednesday 28 August 7:00 - 8:45pm in our Reynolds Community Centre

This term we are thrilled to welcome psychologist, Maria Ruberto back to St James to present at another Parent Information session on Wednesday August 28th. Thank you to the 100 families who have responded.  If you haven't confirmed your attendance or non-attendance, please do so by completing the Operoo form that was sent out last week.

Catholic Secondary College Enrolments for Current Year Five Students

Students must be enrolled when in Year Five. Enrolments close THIS Friday 16 August. 

St James is a direct feeder school to Emmaus College, Aquinas College, Our Lady of Sion College and Whitefriars College. This means that St James catholic students receive direct entry and St James non -catholic students receive greater consideration of entry into these Secondary Colleges.

MACSSIS Annual Surveys

Our annual surveys will be distributed to all parents, staff and Years 4 - 6 students in the next few weeks. The anonymous data we collect provides feedback into numerous aspects of our St James school community and helps set the direction for our 2025 Annual Action Plan. We ask all families to participate in this process when the time comes. Further information will appear in next week's newsletter.

Fathers Day Breakfast & Stall 

Father's Day breakfast will be on Friday 30 August. There will be two sittings; 7:30 to 8 am and 8:10 to 8:40am. Children attending the first sitting with their dad will be supervised in the playground from 8am. 

For catering purposes it is very important to book - Please book online here

The Grade 1 P&F Event Team - Amy, Stef, Kath and Katrina will need help on the afternoon prior and on the morning. Please sign up here

Our Preps will host a Father's Prayer Service commencing at 9am in the Community  

The Father's Day stall will commence from approximately 9:30am to 11am for students to purchase their gifts. 

St James Art Show

Tickets for our Art Show are n available via the CDF Pay App. Tickets are $5 per family. The Art Show will commence on Thursday 12th. Viewing days and times are as follows:.  

• Opening Ceremony 
  • Thursday 12 September 2:30pm 
• Viewing Times
  • Thurs 12 & Fri 13 Sept,  3 - 4pm
  • Fri 13 & Mon 16 Sept, 8.30 - 9.15am
  • Sun 15 September, 10am - 12pm

Please continue to look out for further Art Show information via the school newsletter.

Parish Fete

The fete's success relies on  the participation of the whole Parish and we are hoping that you will actively be involved in our wonderful Fete this year. It's a great day for the whole family and the kids love attending.

This year's fete will be on Saturday 16 November. All families are expected to contribute to our fete. This year, as a fete committee, we are discussing the possibility of asking for volunteers to sign up earlier than in the past to help avoid that last minute panic.

Building Update

The steel framing is almost complete and they are prepping for roofing and brickwork.

Upcoming Sports Days

• Thursday 22nd August: Year 5 & 6 District Basketball
• Tuesday 10th September: District Athletics (for selected students)

Have a great week ahead and enjoy the glorious sunshine!

Dave