Principal's News
‘Receive the Holy Spirit …’
Last Sunday we celebrated the feast of Pentecost and a chance where we ponder on the the gifts of the Spirit; wisdom, understanding, right judgement, strength, knowledge, reverence, and wonder. It is our prayer that as a Catholic community that as we do come together as a community based on love and tolerance and reflect on how we, as did the early church, enable these gifts to express themselves in our lives.
There are may examples of these gifts evident in our community. The following story by Rosie is one example. The generosity of spirit shown through families donating time and energy through such processes like the food bank to bring relief to other families in need. This has a big impact! The coat drive and the goods donated through the Winter Appeal of goods for the St Vincent de Paul Appeal are representations of our spirit.
Last week I found it ironic that in one room that I was in, there was a Jew, Muslim and a Catholic discussing ways to impact on the life of someone who required understanding and support. It is at times like these that the Spirit is alive and our world is capable of hopeful future.
As a community we do experience trials that test our resolve. The messages that we receive of others of a public and private nature, requires us at times to offer support and also just an ear and presence to be with others. In our St James community you will all know of family and friends who need us to be the spirit of giftedness to others.
BRAVE
By Rosie M
You are standing on the top of the world
Nothing is standing in your way
You feel no fear only courage
Today is your day
You are proud of yourself facing your fear
You don't listen to the voice saying stop
You keep on going
And make it to the top
This poem was written and shared with a Palestinian friend of Cate Steains, Samm Meagher’s sister, and Aunty of Rosie, Tilly and Louis, who is working in the West Bank and Gaza. Cate had an exchange with a person known as M and shared Rosie's poem with him. Rosie's wonderful words of wisdom had an enormous impact on M. M even wrote his own poem and now he has a new job and is feeling so much happier!
We hold on to the hope that our children maychange lives and the world.
Maybe it is happening before our very eyes, which matches so well with our Vision.
'St James is a faith filled community that aspires to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and optimism to enrich the world and live meaningful lives.'
Family Week
In the previous newsletter I mentioned how important Family is and how our children can play a role in building more kind and equitable societies. I also mentioned that a Year 6 student and her grandfather visits the soup kitchen run by St Vincent de Paul in Fitzroy. This is being a champion delivering a change in difficult circumstances and a belief that our communal family is one where inclusion, love and justice can shine through in a world that is trouble at times.
Here is recount from Willow:
'Last week I went with my Grandpa and my Dad to volunteer at the St Vincent de Paul soup van, so that I could interact with some of the people living on the streets near the city. We went to the kitchen first and helped make the soup and prepare the sandwiches. Then we went to the first stop. There were about 30 people lining up to get food. Some had to walk a long way to get there, but they relied on the soup van to get food for them and their families. They were very nice people. At the next stop there were more people, about 60. There were two school children. They were worried about the cold night and collecting blankets to keep them warm. A lot of them were sleeping in the doorways of buildings or near the police station where they would be safe. This experience made me very grateful for everything that we have and how lucky we are.'
Willow - Year 6
Brighton
It is an interesting world that we live in. Events that happen on the world stage at times can seem so distant from where we live. The events this week in Brighton was something that we may never have contemplated happening so close to us. This week information was sent to all parents that can assist us as parents and elders in the community of possible ways to respond to traumatic events.
As a community we share many life experiences. This week I have received information of how the Michael Grose information has supported the discussions with children that have come up at home, whilst travelling in the car and even when children are cleaning their teeth.
Again can I remind parents to keep this information handy, as triggers that appear on the news and other media forms, can bring to mind events that are disconcerting for our children and even ourselves.
Dealing with traumatic events with children
Discuss event at the age appropriate
Manage yourself first
Find out what they know
Keep conversations simple
Listen to their worries
Monitor media exposure
Help kids feel empowered
Remind kids that people are good
It is critical that we do not over react and deal with the incident in a calm manner.
This week I have noticed that the kids are still happily playing handball, playing together on the blue courts with enthusiasm, playing chasey, shooting hoops, and generally being bright and cheery. Our demeanour is quickly picked up by our children. Resilience is developed in children and teens by buoyant parents so the influence and balance we provide is critical. A visible presence for children is important, healthy parental modelling, support and involvement are at the heart of happy and resilient children.
Safety Chat
The wellbeing of children in our care will always be our first priority and therefore it is important that communication for all those in the community is conducted with a spirit of respect.
As part of our commitment at St James to create an environment for children, young people and adults to be safe and to feel safe, upholding high principles and standards, it is everybody’s responsibility and requires all to model mutual respect and consideration. This is impressed upon our children and I ask that as adults we adhere to always be conscious of the tone of messages when discussing matters publicly on social networks.
Internet usage has both its positive and negative elements and every effort needs to be made to communicate in a respectful manner. There are dangers when communicating negative messages and it can be detrimental to the wellbeing of others.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday 29 June from 1:30pm
To cater for this event, school will finish at 1:00pm that day. If you have a requirement for after school care, please book in advance with OSHClub. Please note that if you have a PSG Meeting, there is no need to book a Parent Teacher Interview.
To book your Parent Teacher Interview:
. Go to the School Website
. Click on School Bookings
. Enter Code szb9c
. Make a booking by following the prompts
School App
Please find attached information re a phone app which St James has implemented. We are aiming to start using the app early next term, which will give parents a few weeks to download the app.
Brendan