Principal's Post
Dear Families,
It was great to see our Reynolds Community Centre packed with parents last Wednesday evening at our Parent Information Night. Among the variety of topics I spoke about were:
- the importance of parents ensuring students arrive at school on time 8.30 - 8.45 am
- the need for students who arrive late (after 8.50am) to be walked down the driveway and signed in by parents
- our planned minor building works including; revamping the outdoor learning spaces for our Year 5 & 6 students, concreting a run up to the long jump pit (this will double up as a cricket pitch) and replacing student toilets in cubicles (thanks to the $5000 given to St James from the Parish Fete profits!)
- our planned major building works to construct an new administration building at the front of the property (this project will be presented to the MACS Planning Building Finance Committee on March 1st for approval)
Yesterday we celebrated the contributions made to our St James school and St John's parish communities by the Jess family. Rosemary and Barry were honoured at our 11.15am mass. Click on the Education in Faith page for more information.
Meet Some of our new staff
My name is Anita Dell’Orso and I am really excited to introduce myself as the new Deputy Principal at St James. All the friendly and welcoming students, parents and staff have already made the start of my time at the school to be such a positive and memorable experience. It ‘s great to have met many parents so far, and I encourage those who I haven't met yet to introduce yourself when you see me around the school. Please feel free to contact the Office or email anita.dellorso@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au should you have the need to meet with me. I look forward to getting to know the community more across the year.
NAPLAN
This year NAPLAN will occur in Week 7. To ensure that our Year 3 and Year 5 students are familiar with the testing platform that was introduced last year, they will take part in some trial assessments over the next couple of weeks. The Year 3 and 5 families will receive more information about NAPLAN to outline details about the upcoming tests shortly. So please lookout for this.
Lunch Time Clubs for Students
Our lunch and recess time clubs have started. The students are invited to attend the clubs across the week that may be of current interest to them and offer opportunities for students to explore new interests with students across the school.
Managing Big Feelings Webinar
As a follow up to the Starting School presentation, we present the Managing Big Feelings webinar. The content is tailored to parents/carers with lower primary school-aged children (Prep - 2).
Managing Big Feelings
Presenter: Carley McGauran
Date: Wednesday 8 March
Time: 7.30pm (75 min)
Here is the link to register for the webinar :
Once registered a link to the webinar will be emailed. The following day, you will receive a link to access the replay. Therefore we recommend that even if you are unable to attend the live webinar, register to ensure that you can access the replay which will be available for 30 days.
Vpass
The Vpass sign in/out software has now been updated. To save time you may wish to create a profile on your phone. Follow the instructions attached, which includes downloading the Vpass App. If you have any queries, please contact Michelle in the office.
CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)
New applicants need to complete a CSEF application form or download from the website - https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund/policy.
If you applied for CSEF at your child's school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year unless there has been a change in your family circumstances. You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:• new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools this year.• changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing this year.
Other News
Ash Wednesday Mass - celebrated at St James at 12:00pm
Year Six Camp - summary in Spotlight on Learning
Thursday 9 and Friday 10 March - School Closure Days for our staff conference. Camp Australia will run a day care program at St James. (Monday 13 March is the Labour Day holiday)
Monday 24 April - Parish School Closure Day called by Fr Dispin (this means that Term Two will commence on Wednesday 26 April, after ANZAC Day)
Tues 29 & Wed 30 August - School Concert Production at Crossways in East Burwood
Have a great week!
Dave