Principal’s Message

As we move through this sixth week of Term, I hope that you and your families are well. 

We continue to monitor the advice from the Victorian Government and from Catholic Education Melbourne concerning the easing of restrictions and thus any impact on school processes including the gathering of various student groupings. At this stage there are some minor allowances for school operations, and we are hopeful that with further easing in coming weeks it may permit some end of year events to proceed in some manner.

Remembrance Day

On Wednesday 11 November, our Remembrance Day Service was held online 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.”

At our Service, we read the Ode recalling those who had made the supreme sacrifice:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning

We will remember them.

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.

Finalisation of School work

November is also the time when our students should be well underway in their studies as they work towards the finalisation of current topics and units of work. This time may be more stressful for some. As these final 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 leading towards their final assessments.

Year 10 to 11 Transition

Our Year 10 students are completing their final assessments in the coming weeks and will then move to St Bede’s College and De La Salle College, or other schools, to commence their Year 11 Transition program, some even via a remote format. 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.

Year 12 Examination period

We pass on our well wishes to the older brothers and sisters of our current students and to our 2018 Old Boys as they have commenced their Year 12 Exams this week. These Exams will run through until early December and we recognise the difficulties that this year has presented for all school students within our extended community. 

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, commences this week. I ask all to be considerate of this appeal which is our final Social Justice Action during what has been a difficult year for many families. Our hope is that we may brighten Christmas for those who have little.

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