Newsletter 17 September 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
The School Advisory Committee (SAC) met on Monday afternoon. We were able to discuss recent discussions regarding upgrading school facilities, specifically refurbishing the existing art room and library, safety fencing around the red roof and demographics of new housing estates along the old highway. There was also discussion around class structures for next year. Having met with the staff consultative committee, we were able to share the following structure with the SAC in agreement, maintaining our 5 classes with staffing being announced next term-
- Foundation
- Year One
- Year Two
- Year Three-Four
- Year Five-Six
Single subjects-
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts
- Physical Education
- Technologies
- Japanese
The SAC also sought clarity around enrolment criteria. St James exists and operates primarily to service the needs of Catholic families residing in the Parish of Iona/Maryknoll/Nar Nar Goon area. However, St James welcomes all children from the local area and places are available to children from other denominations whose parents desire for them a Christian formation. A commitment to support the ethos of the school and Religious content of the program taught, need to be given. (School Website) We are also in the process of reviewing historical zoned boundaries, however, there is some flexibility to accept children from outside our zone with local agreement between schools.
It has been a very busy term and we thank our families for your ongoing support, have a wonderful break and hopefully enjoy some glorious weather.
Take care, Bec
Upcoming events
| Friday 19/09 | Last Day of Term 3 (children utilising the bus service dismissed at 2.30pm) |
| Monday 6/10 | First Day of Term 4 |
| Friday 17/10 | SFX Production - Yr 4 - 6 attending P& F Meeting (2pm - 3pm) |
| Saturday 18/10 | Reconciliation Committment Mass - 5pm St James |
RE News
Explore Your Faith Journey. Join RCIA.
Are you curious about the Catholic faith? Do you feel a calling to deepen your spiritual life, or perhaps discover what it means to be part of our Catholic community?
Our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program is a welcoming journey for adults exploring the Catholic Church. Whether you are unbaptized, baptized in another Christian tradition, or a Catholic seeking to complete your Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist and Confirmation), RCIA offers a supportive environment to learn, ask questions, and grow in faith.
Discover God's love and discern your path with us.
For more information, please contact Fr Avinash or Loren Bertoncello
Footy Colours Day Fundraising
Thank you for your incredible support of our recent Footy Colours Day! It was wonderful to see so many students and staff wearing their team's colours, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere at school.
Your generosity helped us raise $64 for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. The funds will go directly to Vinnies, allowing them to continue their vital work providing a 'hand up' to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This support helps with essentials like food, clothing, and housing assistance, and it is a powerful way for our school to live out our commitment to social justice.
Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity and for helping us make a meaningful difference in our community.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
This week, we sent home information regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation for students preparing to receive it this year. The details have been placed in your child's school bag.
If you believe your child should have received this information but have not, please contact the school office at your earliest convenience so we can ensure you receive a copy.
Thank you for your support. Loren Bertoncello
2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival – The ultimate Catholic youth experience!
ACYF is on again. It’s going to be bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever! Join thousands of young people from across the country for Australia’s largest gathering of Catholic youth!! WHERE? Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. WHEN? Sunday AFTERNOON, 30th November to Tuesday EVENING, 2nd December 2025. WHO? Anyone from Year 9 (in 2025) up to 25 years old. WHAT’S IN STORE? Powerful keynote speakers, live music & concerts, interactive workshops, games & creative zones, justice discussions & community vibes, prayer, Mass, and a buzzing expo. Whether you’re searching for meaning, a different community vibe, a new faith experience, or just an unforgettable experience – ACYF is your place to be! INTERESTED? contact your Parish Priest or Parish Office to register your interest.
Sacrament Dates 2025
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Commitment Mass
| Date | Place | Time |
| Saturday 18 October 2025 | St James Nar Nar Goon | 5.00pm |
| Sunday 19 October 2025 | St John's Koo Wee Rup | 9.30am |
| Sunday 19 October 2025 | St Joseph's Iona | 11.00am |
Parent/Child Workshop
| Date | Place | Time |
| Wednesday 29 October 2025 | St James PS Nar Nar Goon | 5.30pm |
| Thursday 30 October 2025 | St John's PS Koo Wee Rup | 5.30pm |
Sacrament of Reconciliation
| Date | Place | Time |
| Thursday 13 November 2025 | St John's Koo Wee Rup | 5.30pm |
Wellbeing Leader
The Resilience Project - Parent Hub & TRP@Home
TRP@Home - Scan the QR code below to access
Important Information
Both the PAM and Schoolzine Calendars have been updated with new information.
To access the Schoolzine calendar through the app you will be prompted to enter a password - James4011
This year St James will be using two main platforms of communication with our families - PAM and Schoolzine.
To ensure that you keep up to date with what is happening with your children and within the school please ensure that you have access to these platforms and are familiar with their uses.
If you require assistance with accessing or setting up these platforms, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
From time to time it will also be necessary for emails and text messages to be sent.
Schoolzine App Installation Instructions:
This is an app that you have on your phone and allows for easy reading of the newsletter, as it customises to the screen and translates into many languages if required.
Please click the link below for the instructions on installing the app on your phone.
https://www.schoolzine.com/
As part of the installation, you will be required to enter the following 4 digit passcode -
4011
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions or queries.
Accessing PAM Instructions:
Please use the below link to access your PAM account.
https://pam.stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au
The user name is the email you have provided to the school and if you have not logged on previously, you will be able to set a password.
If you require your password to be reset, please contact the school office.
DS Sports
From the Community
