Principal's Message

Thanksgiving and Graduation Masses

Last week, on Thursday 5 December, we completed the school year with our Thanksgiving Mass for students in Years 7 - 9 celebrated by Fr Brian Collins, and later in the evening, the Graduation Mass for our Year 10 students and families celebrated by Fr Ian Ranson. Both Masses were held at St Peter’s church East Bentleigh. These are important occasions on our calendar where we give thanks for the year we have had, and honour the achievements of our students. Following our evening mass, the Year 10 Graduates and their families gathered at St James College for their speech night where many students were presented with our significant awards. This was an occasion of mixed emotions – some sadness from the boys moving on as their time at St James was finishing, but excitement as they face new challenges.

We thank the class of 2019 for their Leadership, example for the younger students and for the positive impact they have had at the College during their four years.

I take this opportunity, as this the final Newsletter is distributed to our Year 10 families, to thank you all for your association and support during the time that your sons have been in the care of St James College. I wish these young men every success in their futures.

Lasallian Service

This year we used the Tercentenary theme of One Heart, One Commitment, One Life to highlight that as a Catholic and Lasallian community, we are called to recognise the needs of others and to assist where we are able.

In this endeavour, we presented food and gift vouchers from our Christmas Appeal to the St Vincent de Paul Association at our Thanksgiving Mass. These vouchers will be distributed to needy families in our local area over these next weeks. We appreciate the efforts of the students and staff for their contributions to this appeal over this last month.

Orientation Day for Year 7 students 2020

This week on Tuesday, we held our Orientation Morning for our new Year 7 students. It was wonderful to see the young men so enthusiastic and looking forward to meeting their classmates and the Year 7 level staff with whom they will be working alongside as they commence their secondary education. The morning’s activities were finalised with a BBQ lunch and well wishes for the holidays.

As the Year 7, 2020 families now receive our Newsletters, again I offer a warm welcome and an assurance that you have made a very wise choice of College for your sons. I am sure the coming years will be years of great adventure and learning.

Amalgamation News

Recently Parent Forums were held at both St James College and St Bede’s College where details were provided of progress to date, and the areas for consideration over the next 12 months. In this planning phase for the Amalgamation, a Steering Committee has been established, and focus groups will be organised with appropriate representatives from both College communities. Consultations with students, parents and staff will form an important part of the process as we work to bring both schools together.

Further details are available on our website with the Frequently Asked Questions recently updated following the parent forums. Please feel free to contact me if you have any comments, suggestions or questions in relation to the Amalgamation.

Acknowledgements

2019 seems to have passed very quickly. Thank you to the young men of the College for their enthusiasm, ongoing involvement and participation in all activities and opportunities that have been presented during this year and leading to a number of significant student achievements. The diligence and application of the majority of the students to their schoolwork and studies, the wonderful results with our social justice efforts, student participation in the various activities such as Debating, Chess, Public Speaking, the Art Exhibition, Drama and Theatre Sports, Music, Teen Chef and the Write-a-book-in-a–day competition, as well as the sporting competitions at all Year Levels in a variety of sports, all reflect not only the talents of our young men, but also the efforts of a dedicated staff in providing the expertise, professionalism and personal engagement that is offered to the young men of St James College.

I would like to thank the College Staff: The Leadership Team, the Year Level Coordinators, Domain Leaders, Homeroom teachers, Specialist Teaching Staff, the Ancillary Staff and Administration Staff for their dedication and commitment to the young men and families of St James College. We are very fortunate to have such a committed staff who are willing to do whatever is necessary for the well-being and care of our young men.

The gratitude of all at St James College is extended to our Canonical Administrators – the Parish Priests, and the St James College Board, for their continual encouragement and support.

We appreciate that our work and successes would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the parents for our young men. Thank you to our parents for the work you do to prepare your sons each day for school, and importantly, to encourage your sons to strive for their best.

Staff leaving

There are some staff who are leaving our school this year - We thank the following members of staff and wish them every success for the future as they move to pursue other opportunities:

Mr Jake Williams

Mr Sal Avitabile

And a special acknowledgement to:

Mr Rob McClelland who is retiring from St James College after 12 years of service, and

Ms Deirdre Riordan who is retiring after 16 years of service at St James College

Thank you to all these staff members for their contribution to our St James College Community over their time.

Advent

In these weeks of Advent, we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas. Advent is a season of grace that invites us to examine the way we live our lives and to prepare ourselves to receive the Blessings of Christmas. Thus Advent is a time of Hope that allows us to renew our commitment to be part of God’s Kingdom and to renew our relationships with others.

As we complete this year, I would like to wish everyone associated with St James College a happy and relaxing holiday break, and may your Christmas and New Year be filled with the blessings of Christ.

Live Jesus in our hearts, Forever.

Stephen Pooley

Principal