St James School Community News
PA / School Community News
Parents Association
Christmas Carols Celebration
This year’s Christmas Carols evening was a fabulous highlight of our school calendar! The spirit of Christmas truly shone through, from the incredible performances by our students to the generous community spirit on full display.
Each year level created beautiful hampers to donate to St Vincent de Paul, demonstrating the values of kindness and giving that we cherish as a school. Thank you to all families for contributing to this wonderful cause—your generosity will make a difference for those in need this Christmas.
The children sang their hearts out, filling the evening with joy and festive cheer. Their delightful carols and enthusiastic performances brought smiles to everyone’s faces and reminded us of the magic of the season.
The St James Christmas windows reveal was a huge success with a special appearance!
A special mention goes to our fantastic barbecue and sliders menu, which kept everyone well-fed and happy. The Christmas stalls also added a fun and festive touch, offering a variety of goodies for all to enjoy.
Finally, a huge thank you to Michaela, Fran, and Sally for their exceptional work in organizing this event. Their dedication and hard work ensured the evening was a memorable success for everyone involved.
Thank you to all who attended and supported this special celebration. We look forward to many more wonderful community events in the new year!
Final Week of Term 4 – A Year in Review
As we reach the final week of Term 4 and wrap up another wonderful year, the Parents Association (PA) would like to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve shared. This year has been filled with memorable events, successful fundraisers, and vibrant community engagement—all made possible by the incredible support of our parent volunteers and PA representatives.
Kicking off the year was the School Welcome Disco, organized by Denise Wong with fantastic help from our Grade 6 parents. Shortly after, Pancake Day brought delicious fun to our community, hosted by Grade 1’s Susan Goga and Kate Guirguis .
The Hot Cross Bun Drive and Easter Raffle were next, made possible by the tireless efforts of Grade 6. Then, we enjoyed a delightful Mother’s Day Lunch at Elwood Bathers, led by Grade 5’s Under Myda, who has since left the school. Special thanks to Connie, Mel Fuller, Kate, Sally, Natasha, Zoe, Liesl, Kylie, and others who made the day so special.
Our Parents’ Night Out Trivia Night brought laughter and friendly competition, thanks to the organizational skills of Colette, Virginia, Cass, Emma and Deb. This was followed by the much-loved Father’s Day Breakfast, organized by Sara and Maria with support from Grade Prep parents.
The vibrant Colour Run, organized by Kate Korber and supported by Grade 3 parents was filled with joy and color. We also celebrated Grandparents’ Day and Special Friends Day, hosted beautifully by Grade 1, which brought generations together for a special day of connection.
Finally, we wrapped up the year with the magical Christmas Carols, run by Grade 2’s Michaela, Fran, and Sally. Grade 5 added extra festive cheer with their Christmas stalls, and the evening was a true testament to our school spirit.
The PA would also like to take the opportunity to thank all of our business sponsors who have donated so generously to our school community over the year !
As all good things come to an end, I’d like to extend a special farewell to our fabulous Grade 6 students and parents — we wish you all the best in the future!! Your contributions and presence will be missed, and we are confident you will continue to shine in your future endeavours.
Looking ahead, we are already planning for next year. Dave Thomas, our much-loved “King Dad,” will be stepping down and passing the baton to Tony Davidson, with Nick Power stepping in while the Davidsons are on holiday. Hilary Davidson has graciously offered to take over from Denise Wong in planning the Welcome Disco, and Anika Walker will take the reins from Kate Korber in organizing future Colour Runs.
As for me, I’ll remain President for now, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead. We look forward to another great year at St James, filled with more wonderful events and strong community spirit.
Thank you all once again for your support. We wish everyone a safe, happy, and holy Christmas, and a bright and prosperous New Year.
Maryallan and John
St James PA Co-Chairs
School Uniforms
Nicholls Fashion & Furnishings
- 159 Martin Street Brighton
- 9596 2335
All items can be purchased brand new in store at Nicholls. Alternatively we do have a second hand uniform shop at school which has limited stock. Please text/call our parent volunteers Ali Rayner 0428 600 768 or Liesl 0421 854 877 for further information.
A heartfelt thank you to Liesl, who, along with Ali, has generously volunteered at our second-hand uniform shop for the past two years. She will be stepping down as our second-hand uniform shop extraordinaire in 2025 but will remain an active member of our school community.
School Community News
Mr Niarros in Wind in the Willows
Exciting news on the performance front this summer!
Our very own Mr Niarros will be in the Australian Shakespear company’s ‘Wind in the Willows’ as the Badger. It is a sensational excuse for a picnic on a gorgeous Melbourne summer day!
Tickets can be booked through here.
St James STAY AND PLAY - Transition Playgroup & SCHOOL TOURS
Before and After school care
As a Catholic provider, MACSEYE have strong links with our school and local parish,
working together to build a vibrant community of support for children and families.
MACSEYE is an approved registered provider, and sets a high standard of quality in line
with the National Quality Standards.
Families who need Outside School Hours Care will need to enrol with MACSEYE.
Please refer to the flyer below which has the enrolment link.
If you have any questions, please email MACSEYE directly at
Parent Google Calendar
The google calendar is designed for parents to keep up to date with school events.
Please ensure that you are checking the Parent Google Calendar on a regular basis as dates are added throughout the year.
End of Term 2024
17 December (Final Day Term 4 -School finishes at 1:30pm)
2025 Term Dates
Term 1 30 January - 4 April (Final Day Term 1 - School finishes at 3:30pm)
Each Wednesday in February Prep Students are scheduled for individual testing and do not attend school. Full weeks for Prep commence in March.
Term 2 22 April - 4 July (Final Day Term 2 - School finishes at 3:30pm)
Term 3 21 July - 19 September (Final Day Term 3 - School finishes at 3:30pm)
Term 4 06 October - 16 December (Final Day Term 4 -School finishes at 1:00pm)
Bell Times
Teacher supervision 8:40am - 9:00am
First Bell 9:00am (Music begins playing at 8:55am)
Fruit Break 10am
Morning Recess 11:00am - 11:30am
Morning Eating Time 11:30 am -11:40 am
Lunch Eating Time 1:40pm - 1:50pm
Afternoon Recess 1:50pm - 2.30pm
Dismissal 3:30pm
Teacher supervision 3:30pm -3:45pm
Lunch Orders
Please note that the final day for lunch orders this year will be Friday 6th December 2024.
Your School Canteen is ourlunch order provider and operates at Star of the Sea College. See attached flyer with further details.
Orders are placed online via flexischools and see below example of the menu.
Your School Canteen also offers the option to order food for recess on Fridays!
Community Notices
Extra Curricular Programs @ St James School
TENNIS @ St James
TAEKWONDO @ St James
Rise Up DANC Program @ St James
Monday lunchtime 1:50-2:30pm in the school Hall
Thursdays from 3:30-4:45pm in the school Hall
Contact Miss Leisa for more information
leisa.riseupdance@gmail.com
PIANO @ St James
VIOLIN, CELLO, GUITAR @ St James
ART @ St James
ART SMART
Professional Afterschool Art Program
Let's unleash your child's creativity with Art Smart and join us for a free trial session.
Seniors
Mondays 3.40 - 5pm
Juniors
Tuesdays 3.40 - 5pm
Enrol now - https://arteastudio.weteachme.com/classes/1043232-art-smart-professional-art-program-st-james