Acting Principal's News
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are fast approaching the season of Advent, a time of waiting. Over the last 24 months we have all been challenged with waiting in various situations, the most publicized waiting, for restrictions to be lifted. Whilst it was not easy at times, it highlighted the importance of connecting with family and friends. Now as the count-down to Christmas begins, we can look forward to the birth of Christ our Lord and celebrate this day with our family and loved ones. We will have the opportunity to connect with family and friends at St James at our Christmas Carols / Art show on Thursday 8th December.
Tomorrow we have a school closure day. This day will be an opportunity for staff to gather and commence planning for the 2023 school year. At this stage we are in the final stages of school organisation for 2023. As soon as this is confirmed we will share this information with you all.
Prayer for Teachers
Heavenly Father we bring before You the Staff at St James and pray that You guide them as they plan for the 2023 school year. Bless them as they continue to educate a new generation of children and young people.
Amen
Two weeks ago we said farewell to Mr Brendan Flanagan, thanking him for 7 years of wonderful leadership and direction at St James. The celebration held was fitting to acknowledge the great community person that he is. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend this celebration.
As you are aware I have been officially appointed as Acting Principal at St James until a Principal appointment is made next year. It is with such honor and pride that I accept and take on this position of working with the students, school parent community and staff in the role of Acting Principal. Thank you for the many kind words and messages of encouragement which I have received. I look forward to continuing to work with the school and community in the coming months.
The students in 34CC, who I have been privileged to teach along with my teaching partner Jess Conway, came to visit me last week. I walked into my office and they all jumped up and surprised me with lovely messages of support.
At this point of the year there are always staff changes. Staff move on for many varied and diverse reasons. It is with a heavy heart that I inform the School Community that Mrs Sarah Black will be finishing up at the end of the year. Sarah has chosen to take up a position at Casey Grammar which is much closer to home for her. We thank Sarah for her time at St James and wish her all the very best in her future endeavors. Sarah’s enthusiasm and dedication to learning and teaching will be missed. There will be the opportunity to farewell Sarah later in the year.
Sarah’s position has been advertised. As soon as an appointment is made I will share this with the community.
Parent Helper Morning Tea - Save the Date
On Friday 9th December at 10.00am, there will be a Parent Helper morning tea which you are all invited to attend as a thank you from the St James Staff to all of our wonderful parents and friends who support our school and community. Further details will be shared next week.
End of Year School Reports
The end of the school year is also the time where teachers assess and report student learning. In the coming weeks you will receive your child’s end of year School Report. Just like mid year, the reports will be published via the nForma Parent Portal.
If your child is in Year 6 or your family is leaving our school community, please ensure that you download and save your child's reports prior to the end of the year, as your access may be restricted as early as 1 January 2023. Communication regarding accessing the school reports will be shared with families next week.
Swimming
Today we had our school swimming carnival. This was a great wrap up to an intense swimming program that has been running since Monday of last week. Thank you to all families for supporting this initiative, especially the parents who assisted poolside today. The day would not have been a success without your support.
Thank you also to Mrs Georgia McNamara who coordinated the day, supported by the staff.
The students enjoyed the event and only one teacher was pushed in! Thank you to Mrs Sarah Black for participating in many of today's events.
Christmas Carols / Art Show
Our school Christmas Carols / Art Show will be a great way to gather and celebrate the 2022 School year and also an opportunity to welcome our new families joining us in 2023.
Warm regards,
Carmelina Corio