Principal’s Message

Student Leadership

This morning we held our College Leaders’ Flag Handover Ceremony with the present Year 10 Leadership Group passing the College Flag, and thus the responsibilities that come with office, to next year’s Leaders. We thank James Vakis and Maceo Jones, and the House Leaders for their Leadership through 2019, and we congratulate new College Captains Lewis Desmond and Joshua Dudley, and our newly elected House Leaders for 2020. These young men will be invested as Leaders early next year.

Remembrance Day

On Monday 11 November, Remembrance Day Services were held at St James College to acknowledge those who gave their lives in conflict situations. These services, as held around our country on this day, have a history relating to the Armistice commencing in November, 1918, which led to the end of the First World War.

We acknowledge, that in October 1997, the Governor-General of Australia, Sir William Deane, issued a proclamation declaring: “11 November as Remembrance Day and urging Australians to observe one minute's silence at 11.00 am on Remembrance Day each year to remember the sacrifice of those who died or otherwise suffered in Australia's cause in wars and war-like conflicts.”

Thank you to Mr Barry Wood, who together with a number of students from Year 8 and 9 represented St James College at the Bentleigh RSL Remembrance Day service for schools.

The month of November is a time of remembrance, when traditionally, Catholics honour and pray for our relatives and friends who have been part of our lives and are no longer with us.

At the beginning of November, we recognise the feast days of All Saints (1st November) and All Souls (2nd November). On All Saints Day, we are reminded of those men and women who have led inspirational lives for the service of others and who are exemplars for us, such as St James and St John Baptiste De La Salle, while on All Souls Day we remembered those who have been close to us in life and have now passed away.

Examination Preparation

November is also the time when our students should be well underway in their preparations for the forthcoming examination period. This time may be more stressful for some. As these weeks unfold, we all need to be aware of any extra strains that may arise and be prepared to support the young men as they face their challenges.

Year 10 to 11 Transition

Our Year 10 students are completing their exams next week and will then move to St Bede’s College and De La Salle College, or other schools, to commence their Year 11 Transition program. We wish them all the best through this next stage in their education and we thank them for their contribution to St James College over their years. Thank you to Mr Justin Shepherd and the Year 10 teachers who have worked closely with staff from the Lasallian Colleges and other schools during the year to prepare for this transition of our young men.

I CAN Evening

The I CAN presentation night was held last night for the students involved in this program and their families. Thank you to Jake Holland (Year 10) who compered a very entertaining evening, and to Mrs Mary Rainsford and the Learning Diversity Team for their work through the year with this program. We thank Mr Chris Varney CEO - ICAN for his attendance on the night and for his support for our College over many years.

Arts Activities

Congratulations to the students and staff involved in the recent performances of 'The Boy at the Edge of Everything'. This was a wonderful joint venture with students and staff from OLSH, and each year this collaboration between the schools produces an entertaining production involving our younger students.

Thank you to the many families in attendance at the Opening Night on Monday for the SIS Art and Technology Exhibition at the Cube Theatre in Frankston, where a large number of our students had their work on display.

This week Mr Joshua Romeo organised a very entertaining lunchtime Musicpalooza for our talented students to perform a selection of songs and pieces for an audience of students and staff. Congratulations to the music students for their work in preparation for this event.

Thank you to the Arts staff led by Ms Kate Brierty and Ms Rachel Urquhart who devote much time and effort with the students to prepare for these performances and exhibitions.

SIS Sporting Competitions

I would like to thank the many students who have represented our College by participating in SIS sports teams this term. Together with their coaches, they have enjoyed the challenges presented, stepped up when required, and have experienced pleasing levels of success – well done!

St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal

A reminder that the Student Representative Council Homeroom Christmas Appeal, for the St Vincent de Paul Society, Operation Santa, commenced recently. I ask all to be as generous in this appeal, our final Social Justice Action, as we all have been through this year.

We acknowledge November as a time to remember those who have gone before us, with gratitude for their guidance and friendship, and for their impact on our lives. In turn, may these memories be a source of encouragement for each of us to live our lives with even greater faithfulness and ‘Unity in Christ’.

Stephen Pooley

Principal