Principal's News

Staff changes during Term 4

In recent weeks we have heard of the lovely news that Mrs Stacey Clingan is to have a baby in mid  December. This is great news for Stacey and Tas and we can be confident that this lucky child will have wonderful parents.

Stacey will conclude her classroom teaching role on Friday November 8th to rest and prepare for their  baby.  Mrs Jess Conway will be teaching the Year 4 class for the final weeks of the school year.  Jess has a thorough understanding of the class and school as she has been a regular replacement teacher at St James.

Mrs Conway will also replace Ms Bernie Whiffen who will be on Long Service Leave for the first three weeks in Term 4 October 7 -25.  

2020 Planning

As we enter the final part of the year, planning for the 2020 year has commenced.  This process involves a combination of;

balancing the educational, social and pastoral needs of our children

the strategic placement of teacher resources

teacher growth and development

accommodating specific needs and adjustments for children 

utilising the contemporary learning spaces 

projected fees and charges 

curriculum priorities 

as well as the anticipated Commonwealth and State Grants.

Decisions are not made lightly and many factors contribute to the preliminary plans as we enter the end of Term 3 and into Term 4.  Our staff have already indicated their preferences for next year in a submitted ‘Letter of Intent’ which includes preferred levels ( Senior/ Middle Junior), study commitments, leave and teaching combinations.  How St James can maximise our impact for all children and cater for the many requirements of being in a small and vibrant community involves many considered scenarios. This takes time and many possible combinations are thrown up.  What is important in education is not only academic results and excellence but also the 5Cs of developing character, citizenship, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. This is not done alone as teachers but with the support of parents  who promote the partnership of being hopeful, confident and supportive. All children need to be enriched and supported and we are challenged at times in our school planning not to be conservative in our approaches to planning structures for 2020, but to be creative, question, adapt,  be flexible and change ‘traditional’ educational designs. This is what we have already achieved in the past 12-18 months with a contemporary learning environment that is being recognised as an ideal and excting space to learn.  

The clip that was included on the most recent newsletter with John and Millie O’Donohue explains the beautiful new space that we have designed.  It is a purposeful built environment as will be our plans for 2020. The contemporary world is a dynamic place and our children will make sense of the world if we can re - imagine different possibilities. Learning and the environment is strongest when children, parents and teachers feel a sense of belonging, are hopeful and resilient.  The period ahead is an interesting phase of 2020 planning.

Many, many thanks

Last Saturday night was an exceptional night in which the school community gathered for the Annual Major Fundraiser.  The night at the Brighton Town Hall served a number of purposes. To raise funds to supplement the many changes that we are making currently at St James and also to generate fun amongst the school community.  Three cheers to the steering committees of Tanya Schiffter, Bernie Dodd, Liliana Fraser, Denise Wong, Candice Murray Beckham, Albana Mantana, Kim Byrnes and Marina Sujcanov,  who coordinated the event over many months. To acquire the range of sponsors requires a huge investment of time and energy.  Never to complain, the team got on with the job and the result on the night was exceptional. Thanks to Peter Hodgson who led the evening and to the best spruiker/ auctioneer Chris Dodd, who was able to extract the ‘hard earned’ from the bidders. Thanks also for the general support from the Parents Association Chairperson Jane Kanizay in her  last year at St James and all families.

The colour, flair, movement and vibe was wonderful.  Many Mexicans and great costumes.

As one parent has mentioned in an email to the school on Sunday, the night was an occasion of a school that is truly connected.  This is due to all of you. Celebrating together and creating beautiful friendships and connection with each other old and new, was noticeable and something that we are to be proud of.  Thank you.

Brendan