Newsletter 31 July 2024
Principal's Message
We celebrated St James Feast Day last Friday. Classrooms were hives of activity as families created colourful maracas and joined in Flamenco Dancing! It was wonderful to listen Fr Avinash as he shared more about St James and the time in which he lived. Fr. Avinash's insight into St. James provided a deeper understanding and connection to the history and mission of the Church.
Our children participated in the Mass with reverence and beautiful singing. Thank you to all families who contributed to our very yummy shared lunch and also to the parents who were able to attend the celebrations and help with food preparation. It was a real celebration focusing on St James as our Patron Saint, but also a celebration of the spirit of the St James Community. Thank you also to the staff for their support in preparing and planning for the day.
We have several whole school Masses this term as they mark important Feast Days and Holy Days of significance. You will notice at these Masses that several of our Year 6 students wear red sashes. This is because they are our Confirmation Candidates. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
This week for Winter Sport our senior students are off to St Clare's. Can all visitors please follow the sign in process at St Clare's. We are hoping for great weather and to see our students show the St James way with great participation and sportsmanship.
Next week we begin 2025 transition for our Foundation students. These 'meet and greets' are a lovely way to get to know our future students and their families. I look forward to personally meeting each family. During Term 4 our Foundation students will return for transition sessions in their classroom.
WHOOPING COUGH:
The Department of Health has issued a health alert due to increasing numbers of whooping cough (pertusses) cases in Victoria.
The key messages:
- Cases of pertussis are increasing in Victoria, mostly affecting children aged 10-12 years
- Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough and can lead to life threatening infections in babies
- Symptoms of pertussis may be very similar to other respiratory infections, especially in the early stages, meaning diagnosis by a doctor as soon as possible is important
- Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for babies under the age o 6 months. Pregnant women, new parents or carers of babies should consult their medical professional
Recommendations:
The school asks all familes to:
- Monitor all household members for symptoms and see a doctor if symptoms develop
- Notify the school if whooping cough is diagnosed
- Remain home if diagnosed with whooping cough until 5 days of appropriate treatment have occurred
If you have any questions or queries, please contact the school office.
2025 Enrolments and Class Structures:
We are currently working on class structures and staffing for 2025.
If you are aware of families looking to enroll at St James next year, please remind them that enrolments are open across all levels. Similarly, if you will not be returning in 2025, please notify the Office as soon as possible
Deputy Principal's Message
A reminder that book week is in week 6. We will begin book week on Tuesday 20th August with a whole school assembly and parade. Please note this assembly will replace the regular Wednesday assembly. Students may dress up as their favourite book character or bring in their favourite book. During this week students will share and complete activities about some of the picture story shortlisted books. Can't wait to see all the costumes!
Religious Education News
First Aid Update
As part of St James' commitment to provide a child safe environment, all staff are trained in First Aid, CPR, Anapylaxis, Asthma and Epilepsy. Records of incidents, injuries and first aid treatment are documented. First aid records are retained within the school and a copy is emailed to parents to inform them of the incident/injury.
When a student bumps or bangs their head, it can be difficult to tell whether the injury is serious or not. Any knock to the head from the base of the neck up, is considered a head injury and reporting to parents/carers is mandatory.
At St James when we believe that a child has had a head injury, even if a slight bump, it is our responsibility to monitor the student and to contact the parent/carer. If symptoms persist or worsen parents will be required to pick up their child for monitoring and/or to seek medical attention.
Every Day Counts
Tasty Tuesday
School Fee Accounts
Term 3 Fee statements have now been issued.
Direct debit can be set up at any time, please contact the school office for a direct debit form.
If you have not made any contribution towards your school fee account or contacted the office to put an arrangement in place, please ensure you do this as a matter of priority. It is an expectation that fee accounts are finalised by the end of each year.
Lamont Book Fair
Important Information
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 -
3675
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.