Parents Association
A final message from the President
Thank you to everyone who has made my two years leading the St James Parents Association rewarding, enjoyable and a real team experience. I feel so proud of all that has been achieved by such a giving team of parents and carers. I have been a parent at St James for thirteen years now and it’s been an honour and privilege to be so involved right up to the final year.
As a community we celebrate many activities and occasions. Our social events aim to bring this community together to meet parents in your year level, across other levels, parents of children who share similar activities such as swimming, cross country, skipping, dance or art and craft.
Fundraising events have been many and varied over my time here, including but not exclusively the walkathon, recipe books, Sunday’s experts, cake stalls at school, Bunnings and on election days and Martin St festivals plus the healthy and popular Mangoes.
Social events keep us connected as a parent group and we have an active social calendar of Dad’s drinks and activities plus our annual Mothers Day lunch and Oaks Day Ladies lunch. I was a part of the inaugural lunches and our Mothers Day speakers have included members of parliament, children’s services, an active woman who established her own gym, St Kilda Mums, and even one male speaker (Bernard Geary) who brought himself to tears as he reflected on the importance of Mothers.
Class parents also come together for the students to prepare Food days, which have developed from the initial seven sausage sizzles per year, to hot dogs, sushi, pizza, pies and rolls, with chips, popcorn, icy poles, juice boxes and watermelon. Thanks to all parents who’ve organised these over many years – our children love it! Families and parents have met over many Lunches and dinners, coffee mornings and playdates in the park, bowling, movie nights and even camping and weekends away. The variety is diverse- the outcome always the same – a strong group of parents and friends who enjoy the company and support of each other.
The Main Events I’ve witnessed over this period have included a Studio 54 night, Strictly Ballroom, Rock wiz, Carnivale, Casino, Black dress/Black tie, Mexican, Music theme, 80s night and even a rodeo. To enjoy these nights I have come dressed in ballroom dancing seqins, penguin suits, on roller skates, little black dress, pink ladies & T- birds, fashion from the 60s, 70s and 80s, cowgirl, double denim and of course our recent Mexicana!
On a more personal note I have received Meal trains when my mum was unwell and later sadly passed away and I needed to be away from my family to be close to Mum, Dad and my siblings. At these times the St James community rallied behind us to provide meals, lifts to and from school and support. It makes an immense difference to know there are people in our lives caring and supporting us and these friendships last forever.
Enjoy your time at St James.... Embrace the community around you.....Support each other .....and know we all Care for you.
We have something very special here at St James and it’s been my absolute pleasure to be so deeply involved.
All the very best into 2020 and beyond. You will be well lead by the capable and enthusiastic team following.
Finally, thank you to all of those parents who have volunteered for Class Rep roles, or to co ordinate a function throughout the year. Please note that we still are in need of class reps for Years 1,4 and 5. The class rep role can be shared amongst two people (in fact it works really well that way). We would love to end the year with class reps allocated for all 2020 grades / year levels. If you, or anyone you know is interested, please let the office know asap.
Jane Kanizay
St James Kids' Adventure Camp 2020 (Run by the Dads)
The St James Kids’ Adventure Camp is for students and their dads or a special male relative/friend, to spend a weekend down the coast enjoying quality time together Surfing, Canoeing, Horse riding and generally hanging out together.
This year we have once again added the option of some fun at the Geelong Adventure Park on the Sunday and have included a lunch option package that the Park offers.
The YMCA Camp Wyuna is located on the sandy beaches of historic Queenscliff 1.5 hours from Brighton. The camp is fully catered for (All Meals, Dormitory beds) and all activities are facilitated by friendly YMCA staff.
Activities are optional but participation is encouraged to give the kids a beach experience they will never forget.
Camp dates for 2020 are Friday 28th February 2020 to Sunday 1st March 2020 - with the option to stay either both nights or just one of the Friday or Saturday nights
Booking will be through the Trybooking.com website which will open next week.
If you know an incoming 2020 Foundation family please feel free to pass on the details
Looking forward to another great camp.
Paul.
St James Dads' Gathering
Thursdays
7:30pm onwards
2020 Dates to be advised in the New Year
ST JAMES
SECOND HAND UNIFORMS
If you are interested in purchasing, please contact
Danielle Rohan Mob. 0418 998940 or
email rohan.danielle@gmail.com
LUNCH ORDERS
Please find attached 2019 Lunch Order Price List.
Please note that the STAR Canteen is closed on certain days of the year and Students will not be able to place Lunch Orders on the following days:
FINAL DAY for Lunch Orders 2019
WAS Wednesday 4 December