Principal's News
Mother Teresa, who died a week ago today in 1997, worked with the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, in north-eastern India. She talked of what inspired her:
“What is the Good News, the Gospel? It is that God loves you, that God carries you tattooed on the palms of his hands, that even if a mother should forget her own child, God will not forget you.”
God our Father,
for each individual it is as though his or her name is written on the palm of your hand.
Lead us to grow in the faith that your love for each person is without limit or condition.
Inspire us to live in such a way that the light of Christ may shine through us,
bringing love and warmth and happiness to those who share our lives.
Amen.
Reflection
In our world we are challenged at times to see whether this prayer is relevant given the interpretation of justice offered to ‘the other’ within our nation. My thoughts and prayers are with the Tamil family at the moment.
First Prep Transition Day
This morning we welcomed 22 new children and their parents to St James. The first day is always one of excitement and trepidation about what are we to expect with starting school. As is always the case starting school with a smile is always important and the major focus with every day. Today was one of those days as the newies were welcomed into the school by Ange, Imelda, Sharon, Kate, Carmelina and Olivia who coordinated the morning of a gentle entry to school with fun activities. A morning tea at Star of the Sea also eased the anxiety for parents who were able to form friendships that will endure for many years ahead.
Thanks to the 2010 cohort parents for making the considered decision to choose St James. We are in an interesting phase as we build a new community with a deep respect for what has occurred in the past and also mindful of all the children, families, religious and staff that have been significant in who we are today
In the coming years the connections that we make as families are vitally important. Through your children's association with other children we develop friendships for life.
For many years St James community is known for the engaging and supporting culture that we share. We all have a role to play in this. Today marked the commencement of that journey along the track of life.
A great start to the upcoming 2020 year.
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 ‘letters 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 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 ideal an exciting space to learn.
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.
Communication - Important message
Communication is key in a functioning organisation whether it be a business, community or educational setting. With the increased use of access to the internet we all receive a greater amount of email messages. Our day can be absorbed by filtering emails and then responding to the urgent and not so urgent requests.
Can I request that for our teachers to provide responses to your requests that you cc Principal@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au / me into all emails sent to staff. Many of our teachers receive excessive amounts of emails which detracts from the positive relationship of engaging in a personal and more effective manner.
If any matter is of a serious or urgent matter I suggest that you make an appointment to discuss your concern with the class teacher initially or with a Leadership Team member.
Can I also refer you to the message that is placed at the footer of all emails that you receive from any correspondence from the school.
St James staff access their work emails normally between 8.30 am - 5.00pm and will endeavour to respond to emails within 24 - 72 hours.
Please note, staff are not expected to respond in this time frame during weekends, public holidays and term breaks.
For all urgent matters please contact the school office on 9596 4766 or email info@stjamesbrighton catholic.edu.au <mailto:info@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au>
School Fees
Can I remind parents that your school fees may be due. Thanks to all families for your continued commitment of school payments for your child’s education.
AFL Colours Day
Due to the number of events happening next week, there will be no Food Day on Wednesday 18th September, but the children can still wear their AFL Colours.
Brendan