Newsletter 8 October 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
Welcome back to Term 4 which is already proving to be very busy. Next week our Year 4- 6 students will be visiting St Francis Xavier to watch the production Dr. Experimentor, followed by our whole school excursion to Melbourne Zoo, which should be a great day!
Staff absences- while we do our very best to replace staff as quickly as possible, this is not always feasible with educator shortages. If staff are away for extended periods of time and we are aware of this in advance we will do our best to notify affected classes either via the newsletter or class email. We thank you for your understanding in this space.
A reminder that the Friday before Cup Day (October 31) is a whole school closure for staff to begin planning for 2026, followed by school closure Monday November 3 and Cup Day November 4.
Friday Assemblies- with the end of winter sport and whole school masses scheduled, assembly will move back to Friday afternoon at 3pm beginning next week. Please note that all students will need to return with their class to their classroom for final pack up and dismissal. We ask that parents do not take students from the hall at the end of assembly. Cuppa and catch up will also start again, and parents are invited to this before assembly.
Have a great week, Bec
Upcoming events
| Friday 17/10 | SFX Production - Yr 4 - 6 attending |
| Saturday 18/10 | Reconciliation Committment Mass - |
| Tuesday 21/10 | Whole School Excursion - Melbourne Zoo |
| Monday 27/10 | Book Club Issue 7 Due |
| Wednesday 29/10 | Reconciliation Workshop - 5.30pm St James |
| Friday 31/10 | School Closure Day |
| Monday 3/11 | School Closure Day |
| Tuesday 4/11 | Cup Day Holiday |
| Monday 10/11 | Foundation 2026 Transition Session #1 |
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
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
Scholastic Book Club
ISSUE 7 is here – and it's a big one!
Welcome to this year's BUMPER issue with an additional six pages of must-have reads.
ORDERS CLOSE - MONDAY 27/10/2025
Parenting Matters
Beyond Screen Time: How to coach kids to become Savvy & Safe Digital Citizens
Seven digital discipline tools every parent needs in 2025.
The digital world is a new frontier for all of us, and it can feel like a daunting place to navigate as a parent.
The rules we grew up with—"be home before dark," "don't talk to strangers"—don't quite fit when the wild west is accessible from a device in our own homes.
It’s easy to feel the pull to simply control or restrict everything. To lock down devices, impose strict time limits, and police every click.
But true digital discipline isn't about control—it's about teaching.
It’s about coaching our kids to be smart, responsible, and resilient digital citizens. Just as we teach children to cross the road safely, we must also teach them to navigate the online world wisely.
Here are seven essential tools to have in your digital parenting toolbox to guide, not control, your children under 12. Each tool is linked to a research-backed discipline approach that parents should draw on. There’s an explanation at the end of the session.
1. Model the Behaviour You Want to See
(Linked to the Social Learning and Prevention approaches)
This is the most powerful tool of all.
Children are great imitators, and they're watching your every move.
If you're constantly scrolling at the dinner table or on your phone while they're talking to you, guess what they'll do?
Your habits become their habits.
Social learning theory shows that kids copy what we do, not necessarily what we say.
Example: When it's family mealtime, put your phone in a basket out of sight.
Expert Tip: Announce what you're doing. "I'm putting my phone away now so we can all chat and be together." This shows them that you value your time together more than your device.
2. Establish a Tech-Free Zone
(Linked to the Prevention approach)
Just as we have rules for where we can and can't run inside the house, it's wise to have clear rules for where devices are used.
A designated tech-free zone, like the dining table or bedrooms at bedtime, reduces friction and sets a clear boundary.
Research suggests that consistent routines and rules can help reduce conflict and promote cooperation.
Example: “In our family, we keep all screens out of the bedroom at night. The bedroom is for sleep and relaxation.”
Expert Tip: Make it visual. Use a simple chart or a 'phone parking' station to remind everyone of the rule.
3. Use the When/Then Strategy
(Linked to the Positive Discipline approach)
This straightforward sequencing tool maintains transparency and fairness without coming across as a threat or a bribe.
It helps kids understand that responsibilities come before privileges.
Example: “When you’ve finished your homework, then you can have 30 minutes of screen time.”
Expert Tip: Be consistent and state it calmly like a fact. Kids will learn that getting their work done is the key to unlocking their fun time.
4. Co-View and Co-Play
(Linked to the Emotion Coaching and Connection approaches)
Don't just hand them the device and walk away. Sit with your child and engage with what they’re watching or playing.
This is your opportunity to teach and connect.
By being there, you can point out positive and negative behaviours, ask questions, and share your own values.
It also helps you understand what they're doing and who they might be interacting with.
Example: "What’s that game about? Can you show me how to play?"
Expert Tip: Use this time to open up conversations. "What would you do if a stranger messaged you in this game?" This builds their critical thinking skills in a safe environment.
5. Teach Them to Be a Good Digital Citizen
(Linked to the Other-Oriented approach)
The internet is a community, and kids need to learn how to be respectful members of that community.
This includes being kind, thinking before they post, and understanding the impact of their words.
These are the same lessons we teach them on the playground, just applied to a new context.
Example: “I feel worried when you talk about other people in a mean way online because those words can really hurt them.” (This is an 'I' statement).
Expert Tip: Use real-life situations as teaching moments. If they see a mean comment online, ask, “How do you think that person feels after reading that?” This helps build empathy.
6. Repair and Reflect After a Mistake
(Linked to the Emotion Coaching approach)
Mistakes are going to happen. Your child will click on something they shouldn't, or say something they regret.
When they do, what matters is how you handle it.
It's not a show of weakness to admit you made a mistake; it’s a sign of a strong, empathetic person.
Example: "It's a mistake we all make. Let's talk about what happened and how you can do it differently next time.”
Expert Tip: Turn conflict into an opportunity for learning. Ask, “What did you learn from that, and what can we both do differently next time?”
7. Natural Consequences Are Great Teachers
(Linked to the Positive Discipline approach)
Children learn best from the real-world consequences of their actions. Provided they are safe and age-appropriate, these moments can be more powerful teachers than any lecture.
Example: If they break a family rule about screen time, they lose the device for a set period. That's a direct, logical consequence.
Expert Tip: Resist the urge to shield them from every discomfort. Let the consequences do the heavy lifting. If they lose their progress in a game because they didn't follow a rule, that soggy memory will do more teaching than any lecture.
Finally:
Digital discipline doesn’t need to be harsh to be effective.
The most powerful guidance is quiet, calm, and connected.
It’s about raising kids who are emotionally intelligent and self-aware, not just obedient.
You don’t need to be perfect, just present. And every small, consistent effort makes a difference.
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.
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