This Week's Updates

Dear Families, 

I hope you were able to enjoy a relaxing weekend.

We have a few updates for you this week:

School Closure Days for our Staff Conference are next week: Thursday 9 and Friday 10 March. 

Staff are not on site these days, however Camp Australia are running a pupil free day program here at St James. Please register here if you require to use this service for part or all of these days.

First Aid Administration of Panadol at School

There are new MACS policies regarding the administration of painkillers such as aspirin and paracetamol at school. We are now unable to administer such medication to students without the written consent of a doctor or pharmacist. Please keep an eye out for further information and possible permission forms over the next few weeks.

NAPLAN Parent Information 

Following the information that was shared in our school newsletter last week regarding NAPLAN, please refer to the NAPLAN Parent Information Sheet that provides additional information for parents to be further informed about the assessment. Our Year 3 and year 5 Families will receive additional information over the coming week. 

School Advisory Council

The St James School Advisory Council are seeking two parents from our School community to join the Advisory Committee from March 2023.

Expressions of interest are sought from parents who have an interest in joining the St James School Advisory Council.

The Council meets between 6 and 8 times per year and plays a vital role as a forum for input of parent and community voice and advice, supporting the school and principal on topics like:

• Articulating and enacting the school’s vision and mission

• Promoting the school’s Catholic ethos and culture

• Promoting faith formation and development

• Implementing school policies as required

• Giving advice to the principal on issues such as enrolments, school improvement plans and enrolment trends

• Engaging in discussion with the principal about the annual school budget and other financial matters

• Giving advice to the principal about the school Master Plan

• Capital resource planning and maintenance support to the principal

In 2023 the Advisory Council is comprised of

The Principal – Dave Mutimer

The Parish Priest – Fr Dispin John

The Deputy Principal: Anita Dell'Orso

The Staff Rep: Josh Crowe

Chair - Chris Harvey (Patchy in 3K)

April Warfield ( Henry in 5P, Ivy in 3H)

Deb Vukic ( Josh in 5P)

Jimmy Wingate (Ollie in 3K, Isaac in 1C)

Paola Weinberg (Joseph in 5S)

Representative of the St James P&F-  Kylie Brooks-Verbene (Elodie 6D    Spencer 4F)  

We would be delighted to see parents with children in Grades Prep and Two express interest in joining the School Advisory Council to enable us to hear the parent and community voice from across all school levels.

Expressions of interest in joining the Council should be directed to Dave Mutimer (david.mutimer@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au ) by Monday 6 March 2023.  

A few other updates

• Food day is this Friday - thanks Kylie and her group of helpers
• Save the date - Cyber Safety Presentation to be held at St James on Tuesday 21st March at 7:30pm.

• Best wishes to all swimmer competing in the Interschool swimming competition on Wednesday.
• School Fees - A reminder that School Fee Statements will be sent home over the next few weeks - the delay is out of our hands, but we apologise for the inconvenience. Direct debit forms were sent via Operoo and need to be returned ASAP for those who wish to pay in installments - these forms are not required to be returned if you wish to pay in full. Please feel free to contact Lisa directly for a balance of your fees.
• Year Six Mass this Friday 3rd March at 9am in the Community Centre.

Looking forward to a great week.

Dave