Newsletter 26 July 2023
Principal's Message
Thank you to everyone who supported our Feast Day celebrations yesterday. The day was a wonderful acknowledgement, spent celebrating everything that is wonderful at St James. Feedback from students, parents and staff included gratitude for each element of the day and the amazing sense of community, prayer and fun. Chatting with children, who are my co-authors this week, they were very positive about the day and the excitement and their delight was tangible. Arthur spoke about how calm the day was even though it was busy, which helped make the day feel shorter than normal. It was also good because all of the parents came and helped everyone with the food and games after lunch. It was really good how everyone could join in and encourage each other. The food was awesome! Everyone got something they liked because there was an extraordinary amount of food. Having afternoon tea was very inclusive because it wasn't just for the winners of the tabloid sports and every team got a place. I really liked sitting with mum, dad and Poppy. Thank you to everyone involved especially those who were able to help with set up, food warming and clean up- an amazing team effort!
During our first round of winter sport against St Catherine's, our children represented our school with great pride and sportsmanship. We congratulate them on their participation and wish them luck for this week.
Next Friday, our Junior students head to CERES for their first excursion this year with a focus on performing arts which supports their current inquiry unit. We hope they have a great day and look forward to hearing about their adventures.
Kind regards,
Bec Kollaris
St James Parish News
Please note:
Saturday Mass at St James will be at the new time of 5pm beginning on Saturday 17 June and continuing for the Winter Months.
Religious Education News
Wednesday the 26 July is the Feast of St Joachim and St Anne, the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus. On this Feast the Catholic church especially, honours grandparents and their role in the lives of their grandchildren:
A Child's Prayer for Grandparents
Dear God, please bless my grandparents.
Thank you for the life they gave my parents
and for the life, they give to me.
For the ways they helped me and made me strong, I give thanks.
For the ways, they love me no matter what, I rejoice.
For the ways, they have paved the road
that leads me here, I am grateful.
Let them grow in wisdom and joy in life.
Let them find peace and rest from their work.
Let them be healed of every sickness and pain.
And let them see with their own eyes your glory
and the love of their children and grandchildren.
Bless them always until they come to rest in you.
Congratulations
A huge congratulations goes to our 5/6 Netball team, who have won themselves a place in the School Sport Victoria Southern Metro Region 2023 Winter Sport - Netball.
We also received the below:
Congratulations to your girls for making it through to this stage of the competition. For a school of your size to achieve a result like this is absolutely incredible. You are just the second school from our district to get a team through to Regionals and the first Netball team to qualify in the 7 years that I have been working in this role. On behalf of our district, congratulations and good luck!
Mark, Lang Lang District School Sport Association Coordinator
Winter Sport
This week 's Winter Sport - St James vs St Catherine's
Netball and Newcombe - St Catherine's - 73 Ridgemont Drive, Berwick
Football - Holm Park Reserve, Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, Beaconsfield
Students are to wear their sport uniform and those playing football must have a mouth guard to participate.
Winter Sport commences at 1pm.
There will be NO lunch orders for those participating in Winter Sport on Friday.
Fun Food Friday
Year 6 2024 Polo Top Orders
The ordering platform for the Year 6 2024 Polo Tops will close on the 30 July.
If you are having difficulties ordering or would like to discuss your order, please contact the school office.
Premier Reading Challenge
Book Club News
Book Club Issue 5 closes 31 July
From the Office
Term 3 Fee Statements have been emailed. Thankyou to the families that have made payments towards their school fees. Direct Debit arrangements can be set up at any time. Please contact the office to obtain a Direct Debit form.
If you are experiencing financial hardship please contact rkollaris@stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au to have a confidential discussion.
If you hold a Pension or Health Care card, please contact the office to obtain the relevant paperwork to be completed and returned. Eligibility will then be assessed and an applicaiton for assistance to reduce your school fees will be applied for.
Updating Details
Please ensure your contact details are current and up to date. This includes, contact numbers, email address, home/postal addresses and emergency contact details. If you need to update your information, please email office@stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au
Schoolzine App
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 -
3675
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions or queries.
School Bus Management System
Important update for students who are approved for travel on the School Bus Program: Upgrades
are being made to the School Bus Management System (SBMS).
To make this important change, the SBMS will be unavailable from COB Friday 5 May 2023 for a
period of time.
If you need help during this time, you can email the School Bus Program team on
schoolbus@education.vic.gov.au or call on 1800 338 663.
NCCD Information
Parents and Friends News
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Planning has begun for our Family Fun Night. Lock in your calendars Friday 27 October 2023.
Parents and Friends need your help. To make the night a great success we are seeking sponsors to help cover some of our costs for the night. If you have a business or know of a business that would like to contribute, be it a prize or cash donation please let us know and we can send out a donation letter.
If you are interested in joining the organisational committee for the fun night or have something you would like to contribute please complete the form below.
