Principal's News
As we conclude our year at St James, and the expectant coming birth of our Jesus, as well as the Christmas break, let us all reflect on the significance of this holy season.
Prayer Reflection
Birth of the Lord.
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God—Psalm 97(98):1-6.
Do not be afraid.
The challenging things that happen are only outweighed by the huge amount of good that is carried out by good people! At St James we have many many good people. God does not wait for the world to become good; he rather chooses to make a home with us. This year we have seen the presence of God in our lives in many ways.
At this time many years ago, the shepherds saw the world changing around them; they feared that God was abandoning them; things were turning for the worse. They—and we—are told do not be afraid.
As we conclude our year, let's pray for the grace of courage to have confidence in the love of God, amid the reality of ourselves and our world. Let us welcome God into our lives in no matter what ‘disguise’ she seeks to enter. Let’s find ways to bring the stranger to our Christmas table and to respect the way in which the earth sustains us. In including others, let us discover the true meaning of home, a place of nurture, hospitality and celebration.
Christmas has its own unique spirit. It gets back to the image of the baby and the sense of a fresh start, of hope, of trust.
Christmas is meant to not only focus on the baby, Jesus, but also on us. This baby is a sign that we are beloved by God, a holy people, and this truth has its own power to generate good will and peace among us.
Enjoy the Christmas break with all family and friends. It is a special time for us all to reinvigorate our passion for life, to spend time with those that are dear to us.
A happy and holy Christmas to you all.
In the feverish pace at the moment at St James and as we approach the final days of 2017, it is important to take a moment to pause and reflect on all that has been accomplished this year. This last newsletter highlights just some of our students work; achievements that are made possible through the shared values and commitment and the opportunities in the future.
The Lion King Jnr
The big night and afternoon is approaching.
After months of preparation, Kate Kennedy our Performing Arts teacher, has produced an outstanding creation of the epic Walt Disney animation. As the excitement has been building in the final weeks for the children and staff, the St James community are grateful for the energy and efforts committed by many people to ensuring our children receive the opportunity to express their artistic talents. Your commitment does not go unnoticed and the result will be demonstrated in our two performances at Star of the Sea.
Kate Kennedy is to to be congratulated and highly commended for synthesising vocal, physical and acting skills. Kate has been able to adapt the children's skills and creativity in the choreography of what is a lively, enthusiastic and engaging production.
This is truly a complete embodied experience for the children. Music, acting and singing does wonders for the body and soul. The creative performance is a cathartic experience and this year's production will be one that will be etched in our memories for many years to come.
Congratulations St James, Kate, the children, staff and parents on a wonderful achievement.
Farewell to our families
This week we mark the departure and make special mention of the staff and families that are leaving St James at the end of this year. A number of these families have been associated with our school for many, many, years. We are extremely grateful for all of our families that are a vibrant part of our school. To those that are leaving, we thank you for all your love and support in promoting the school family of St James. Much of your involvement has been immeasurable. Thanks and congratulations.
We farewell Cathy Ferrari who has spent a significant contribution to St James for the past 12 years as a teacher and also as a parent whose four children attended St James. Cathy is continuing to present a brave face, however is now facing the reality of what has been an enormous part of her life. Please extend your gratitude to Cathy before the year's end.
We also farewell Lucas Johnson, Susannah Bailey, and Elly Dillon who are spreading their talents to other educational settings. We thank them and wish them well in their endeavours, knowing that their time at St James has been a formative time in their lives, professionally and personally. Antoinette Ferrari is taking leave to spend time with her daughter during her preschool year.
We also see Anna Coelli leaving with the coming birth of Dean and Anna’s first child in January. Anna commenced her teaching career at St James and has been a beautiful and nurturing teacher to many of our children. She will be a magnificent mother and we will miss her bright and positive disposition.
We have been extremely fortunate to have had Faye Crouch as our school counsellor for 2017. Faye has quietly and professionally supported our children, parents and staff and has ensured that the wellbeing, care and compassion matches our identity as a Catholic school.
Annie O’Donohue. When I arrived at St James I was not long in the door when Annie made herself known to me. What an introduction that was! A good talker, bustling presence and passion for others. Annie has been a godsend in stirring life into the school community. Annie completes her time as Parents Association President this year and the energy she has created has been first class. We also farewell a quiet achiever and Annie’s ‘partner in crime’, Sam Rist. Sam’s attention to detail and her honest and straightforward approach has ensured that the school finance, activities and meetings are organised and with a no nonsense approach.
Three cheers to Annie and Sam.
In addition we express our thoughts and prayers to Annie, her husband John and their family on the passing of Annie’s mum Merie Jaspers. Annie has lost both her parents this year and we send our heartfelt thoughts and sympathy to Annie, John and the five O'Donoghue children.
To the Year 6 students of 2017
The journey that you have taken as a group over the past seven years has been a positive, fruitful and life giving experience. The St James teachers, parents and staff, have provided you with many opportunities to ensure that you are young men and women that will make a difference to our world. We will look forward with expectation to seeing how you will mature further, given the solid foundation that you have achieved at St James.
The shared experiences over the past year will be memories that will be etched in your minds for many, many years.
In later years you will reflect on your adventures at St James. This is when the real significance of your class friendships will strike you to have been quite special.
Camps, Productions, Learning and Teaching, Leadership opportunities, Social Justice initiatives.
Your Primary School years will be full of inspiration for you in your future life. You will be able to draw upon these special moments to support you through life. Each one of you has had an amazing impact on each other and our school.
St James has had many Jesus moments. As leaders you have shown the face of Jesus to many in our school community. Often, consistently and with a generosity of spirit.
In these final days of 2017, St James loses part of its soul with your departure. There is great happiness and jubilation with your graduation and we all are excited about the beautiful future ahead of you, but also we realise that there is more than a tinge of sadness.
Your parents are extremely proud of you. They have seen their young child grow before their eyes so quickly, but are incredibly appreciative for the way in which you have matured into the fine young men and ladies.
They will never absolve themselves of their parental responsibilities and will always be prepared to assist you in the pathways and challenges of life. Be sure to thank them and keep the communication channels open.
St James teachers will always remember you fondly and with extreme gratitude.
You have had a range of teachers from Prep to Year 6.
Your departure touches each one of them. They will most probably shed a tear in their quiet time when they recall what you have all meant to our St James community.
As our student leaders at St James, Jesus chose each one of you to lead through a service of love for others.
You have all modelled this to all the younger children, parents, staff and people in our school and wider community. You have modelled our school motto of ‘ Living Loving Learning ’ with enormous vigour with your unique group humour and attitude.
As you leave I encourage you to never give up, exercise persistence, be respectful and have an acceptance of others, demonstrate an optimistic and hopeful view of life.
Acting as you really believe in something is the first step in believing it, and once you believe it, you are on the way to a sense of purpose.
To all the 2017 Year 6 students, I congratulate, commend and thank you.
You have all been a credit to our school.
May God bless you in the wonderful years ahead.
Staff Placements For 2018
Parish Priest Fr Martin Dixon
Foundation Ms Bernie Whiffen
Foundation Mrs Cathy Busch
Year 1 Miss Olivia Quinlan
Year 2 Mrs Jess Chapman
Year 3 Mrs Emma Herbert
Year 4 Miss Meg Stewart
Year 4 Miss Stacey Nelson
Year 5 Mr James McMahon
Year 6 Miss Teri Orengo
Year 6 Mrs Dominique Crawley
Performing Arts Mrs Kate Kennedy
Visual Arts Mrs Liz Hyslop
Japanese Mrs Junko Kawabata
Student Services Ms Karlee Agnew
Literacy Leader Mrs Natalie Dodds
Maths Leader Mrs Claire O’Dea
Reading Recovery Mrs Nancy Ohlert
Physical Education Mrs Georgia McNamara
Mrs Chris Kidman
Deputy Principal Mr Liam Buckley
Principal Mr Brendan Flanagan
Learning Support Officer Mrs Sharon Portelli
Mrs Kate Buzza
Mrs Ann Nicola
Secretary/Bursar Mrs Imelda Cuaresma
Admin Support Mrs Angela Franich
Regards,
Brendan