Newsletter 02 August 2023

Principal's Message

World Youth Day 2023      

At the present moment many Catholic young people from around the world, including those from the Diocese of Sale, are gathering in Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day. Our contingent from Sale Diocese are accompanied by our enthusiastic parish priest at St James, Father Avinash George. This is an important celebration in the Catholic church that affirms the role of the young Catholics in bringing the message of the Gospel into the contemporary life of their communities.          

Catholic schools strive to live their daily lives and relationships in such a way as to bring the hope, compassion and joy of Jesus teaching into the experience of students and families and all who are associated with the school community.At St James we especially encourage this leadership in our students. Presently we have an important effort in conjunction with the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. Please see the details further along in the newsletter and support the appeal as much as you can.When Pope Francis made the first foreign trip of his papacy in 2013, to mark World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, he urged young people to make a “mess” in their local churches, to shake things up, even if it ruffled feathers.The energy and change the young bring to the church is essential to the living  message of the Gospel.

Religious Education News

This winter weather is always a poignant reminder to reflect on how it must feel for families doing it tough - particularly those experiencing homelessness. Thank you to all the families who are taking part in our St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) Winter Appeal! St James has made a commitment to support Vinnies appeal for non-perishable food goods. Please help by sending to school canned or packet foods that Vinnies can supply to support families and individuals. Our students will pass them on as a donation.

Gratitude Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed in my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined.

 You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on you and make my spirit soar.

Thank you, Lord, for keeping me safe. You protect me from those things that seem to haunt others. You help me make better choices and provide me with advisors to help me with life's difficult decisions. You speak to me in so many ways so that I always know you are here.

Lord, I am grateful to you for keeping those around me safe and loved. I hope that you provide me with the ability and sense to show them every day how much they matter. Give me the ability to show to them the same kindness they have provided to me.

I am extremely grateful for all of your blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind me of just how blessed I am and allow me to show my gratitude in prayer and return it in acts of kindness.

By Kelli Mahone

Confirmation Commitment Mass - Saturday 5th August

Confirmation candidates are reminded that the Commitment Mass is at 5pm at St James this Saturday 5th August. Please remember to bring along your completed Commitment Forms.

Winter Sport

This week 's Winter Sport - St James vs St Patrick's

St Patrick's - 136 Princes Hwy, Pakenham

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.

Softball Clinic

Fun Food Friday

News from 5SS

VicSpell 2023

Premier Reading Challenge

From the Office

Current Fee Statements have been issued to all families. Thankyou to those who have made payment towards their school fees.

Please note, Term 1 and Term 2 fee payments are overdue and payable. 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/szapp-installation
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.