Principal's News
Earlier this week the Prime Minister issued an apology for the failure of many institutions, individuals and groups in society who failed to protect the safety of victims and survivors and their obligation to respect their safety and wellbeing. This apology is an important moment for the healing of our nation.
As our prayer for healing and with humility of heart we pray:
For people who have been abused whether physically, mentally, emotionally or sexually; that the God of all tenderness and compassion will restore them and give them peace.
We pray that we become more and more a community that actively protects the most vulnerable people of society, particularly our children.
We pray that the Spirit of Wisdom enlightens people to put an end to acts of violence and abuse.
We pray for our schools, may we strive to create safe and nurturing environments for all members of our communities.
God our rock and our strength on whom we lean, help us to create an atmosphere of trust which allows the unspeakable to be said.
May we support each other and be safe places for each other.
New Staffing in 2019
I am pleased to announce that St James has appointed three new staff members for 2019.
Ms Carmelina Corio was recently interviewed for the Deputy Principal position for St James.
Carmelina is currently the leader of Teaching and Learning, Numeracy, Interschool sports, Outdoor Education, School Improvement and Review at St Simon the Apostle in Rowville.
Carmelina has also held the positions of Student Wellbeing Leader, Graduate mentor, PSG support teacher and ICT leader.
Carmelina is excited about the next stage of leadership.
Many thanks to the panel members, Claire O'Dea (Spierings), Simon Fitzpatrick - Educational Consultant for the Southern Office of Catholic Education and Fr Martin, for their expertise and insights into the decision in appointing Carmelina. The task involved required a thorough examination of the five shortlisted candidates.
In addition, I am pleased to announce that Sarah Contin and Bridie Slater will be commencing their teaching careers at St James in 2019.
Sarah will complete her degree at Australian Catholic University this year. She is an ex St Finbars and Loretto student.
Bridie is an ex Our Lady’s of the Assumption Cheltenham and Star of the Sea student and will complete her degree at Deakin University. Both Sarah and Bridie will be at St James for a welcome morning tea with staff on November 13th. Carmelina will be at St James to become familiar with our setting on November 1.
Mrs Liz Hyslop will be completing nine years of dedicated service at St James at the conclusion of this year. Liz is taking her artistic talents to Sacred Heart Sandringham next year. We wish Liz all the best in her new surroundings at Sacred Heart and we will miss the many diverse artistic talents, colour and flair that she has generated at St James.
School Planning
At this time of the year the organization and planning for 2019 requires many meetings, conversations with staff, review and appraisal meetings, Industrial and Consultative meetings, staff appointments and an exploration of possible class structure and groupings.
All of this occurs within the framework of budgetary measures, school building infrastructure, school review recommendations from the 2018 National School Improvement Tool and linking the school direction with our Annual Action Plan.
Decisions are not made lightly and due diligence is directed to ensure that St James continues to be a school of high expectations and excellence. It is an exciting time in planning for the following year and matching the dreams and hopes for another year and future years with our school community.
Below is a snapshot of school terms and holidays next year. In light of future planning for 2019, School Closure and Professional Development days will be determined and communicated in due course.
Good news for Catholic schools
Attached are two recent media releases from Catholic Education Melbourne that explain the recent and at times bitter fight to ensure that Catholic education remains strong and viable for those seeking it. Our history as an educational sector has at times been an intense fight. As a lad who attended Catholic schools, I can remember the consistent efforts that parents and such great nuns as the Brigidine’s, ( who I was fortunate to be educated by,) the passion they had to ensure that funding, buildings and programs were delivered to Catholic families. The Goulburn strike of 1962 was credited as being a watershed moment as was the Karmel report in 1973 for Catholic funding. The recent stoush with Mr Birmingham’s Quality Schools Program, that potentially would have diminished Catholic education with the proposed and flawed SES funding model, has now been rightfully corrected with recent announcements by both the Commonwealth government and the ALP and Coalition parties in Victoria.
We are extremely thankful for the concerted efforts of Catholic Education Commission of Victoria and led by our Director Mr Stephen Elder for the rights of Catholic Education to be maintained. Credit also to the local campaigning by school families, local School Boards.
Please read the attached letters which explain the truth of Catholic funding for our families into the future years.
Basketball
Congratulations to Isabella Stewart who has been selected to represent the Victorian metropolitan basketball team in January. This is an outstanding effort as only 10 girls were selected.
Leadership
Recently I was speaking to a proud past parent who made mention of how our students progress in future years as leaders. Leadership can occur in many ways. To make a difference and have an impact on the lives of others in the world.
Leadership takes many forms and it is interesting that those who have been recognised by their schools, are ex students of St James. The following have been appointed School captains at neighbouring schools.
Adele Nicolas - Star of the Sea 2019
Meg Taranto - Loretto 2018
Alec Loschiavo - St Leonards 2018
Francesca Ohlert - Star of the Sea 2010
We are proud of these students and all ex students who have made a solid contribution in their own special unique manner once they depart from St James.
Brendan