Principal's News 

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This week's reflection was used at our Board meeting on Tuesday  and is most appropriate for the time that we are in.  The announcements from Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday,  have given us an indication of when the Prep - 2 children will return and we await news that our older children will hopefully return soon.  

I mentioned to our teachers on Monday that it is important that we try to put aside what school and life in general will be like in October - December and carefully get through the next two weeks,  and then look forward to the term 3 holiday break.   This break will give us all a chance to then reset for the final term.  Projecting too far forward will create anxiety with the volatility and uncertainty of Covid-19.

A heartfelt thanks to parents, children and staff for everything we are doing as a St James community to support each other at this time.  I have been amazed at the strength and character obviously on display at this time.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Matthew 11:28

Jesus said, Come to me all you who are weary, and I will give you rest’.....

The message today is a comforting word for you;  a word to remember whenever your heart or mind is troubled, anxious or weary.  Sometimes things become too big for us to carry alone.  We get tired and we are not sure who to turn to.  Jesus invites you to come to him, to trust him with your worries and rest safely in his love.

------------------------------------------------------------------

What’s been happening at St James?

On the parent portal you will see later today some beautiful images of the school.  Miss Corio has produced an amazing Virtual tour of the school.  The classrooms look amazing with the resources and design of the school on show.  Please share this exceptional footage to your family, relatives, friends and people in the wider community.

It does not just finish there!  Mrs Mandy Cooper, our Art teacher, has invested much energy and artistic design in creating an Art Gallery, displaying the work that children completed in the short time that they have been at school this year.  It is a sight to behold.  This will be placed on the Parent portal, website and Facebook page for you to see the creative talents of our children.

Further adjustments are being completed around the school and St James will be an exciting place for all when we do return.

Word of Mouth - It is so important 

Creating a general buzz about our school is a collective effort.  We have much to be proud of and the Virtual mediums that have been produced will validate what we have created as a school community.   Your ‘word of mouth’ and individual social media networks you have,  promotes your child’s school.  Be excited and proud of our beautiful school, St James. 

Engaging in digital virtual options to network Word of Mouth, in new and efficient and exciting ways will appeal to families and the wider community.  

Research says that 92% of consumer habits trust the recommendation of friends and family.

How have you deliberately harvested ‘ Word of Mouth’ as a marketing and promotional strategy in your community?

School Administration and Finance

Leading and managing  a school is an increasingly complex task, with growing educational, regulatory and financial demands on principals and school leadership teams.  This has been particularly true in recent times with governance accountability and compliance being increased.

This is particularly true for Principals of Primary Schools, who have a smaller number of administrative staff available and resources than larger secondary schools. 

To assist Primary School Principals manage increases in the volume and complexity of financial and compliance obligations, Catholic Education Melbourne implemented a Business Manager model in 2019. 

St James adopted the offer to employ CEM Business Manager to service our school for one whole day a fortnight onsite (inclusive of school holidays).  CEM Business Manager,  Cindy O’Donoghue is a qualified Accountant (Chartered or Certified) with vast experience.

Cindy looks after four schools in the Southern Region in the Archdiocese as the Senior Business Manager and I have included her story in this week’s newsletter.  

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself to the school community as the CEM Senior Business Manager in the Southern Region. I work at St James Primary School once a fortnight supporting the school on all aspects relating to finance. I have a portfolio of Catholic Primary Schools in the Southern Region and also work with my team at Catholic Education Head Office in East Melbourne. 

I love and am passionate about the work that I do with our schools. I am a qualified Accountant with over 20 years experience both in Australia and Europe and with Catholic Education for a few years now.  I’m not your typical qualified Accountant, like you, I’m a parent of two Catholic primary schools (primary and secondary) and passionate about my children’s education.

Here at St James I work closely with the Principal Brendan in developing annual budgets and setting fees to ensure that the school can continue to deliver programs and operate within the funding that the school receives, and ensure the school continues to prosper for our present and future generations. The school also relies on you, the school community, to play your part in contributing through the payment of your school fees and levies.

This year has not been a typical school year and we understand that many in our school community are finding it difficult not only emotionally but also financially.  We as a school are committed to working with our families to get through these challenging times. If you have any concerns about your financial situation, please reach out to Brendan so that we can explore confidentially financial support arrangements or concessions to help you. We also remind you that if you have recently been entitled to a Health Care and/or Concession Card that you contact our school office confidentially.

Please keep safe and look forward to perhaps seeing you when I am visiting St James Primary School.

Regards,

Cindy O’Donoghue

Business Manager

St James Brighton

School Closure Day 

Monday 14 September is scheduled for planning and will be a pupil free day,

Finally please keep updated on the Portal communication of St James, and also Facebook social media pages.

Regards,

Brendan Flanagan

Principal