Newsletter 15 October 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
Last week I was fortunate to attend the Sale Diocese Pastoral Plan launch. This launch marked the culmination of a year-long journey of prayer, consultation, and deep listening to the Holy Spirit. The result is a spiritually rich and strategically focused roadmap that will guide the pastoral life and mission of parishes, schools, and Catholic agencies over the next five years.
“This framework is not an endpoint, but a starting point for renewal and transformation,” said Bishop Greg. “It is an invitation to each one of us—guided by the Holy Spirit—to explore how we can work together to build a more Christ-centred, synodal, and missionary Church by bringing these six pastoral goals to life in our parishes, schools, and agencies.”
At the heart of this Christ-centred, synodal (deep listening), and mission-focused plan are six transformative goals:
- Deepen Christ-Centred Faith and Spiritual Growth
- Advance Synodal Leadership and Engagement
- Build an Inclusive and Welcoming Church
- Inspire the Engagement of Young People and Families
- Enhance Parish–School Collaboration
- Ignite Missionary Outreach and Evangelisation
This framework is more than a document—it’s a call to action. It empowers each community to develop vibrant, local pastoral plans that reflect their unique gifts, needs, and resources, while remaining united in the shared mission of living the Gospel with renewed purpose and joy.
As Bishop Greg affirms in his message to the people of the Diocese of Sale: “Let us be bold in our faith, constant in our prayer, and open to the Spirit’s movements among us and through us. There will be unexpected challenges on this journey of renewal, but we can take heart in the message of the angel Gabriel, who spoke to Mary’s fears and doubts at the moment of the Annunciation, assuring her: ‘Nothing is impossible for God.’”
Next week we will visit Melbourne Zoo as part of our biological science unit. We look forward to the learning which take place, both on our own self guided tour and Zoo led lesson. Thank you to our many parent helpers, your support by attending this excursion makes our groups very small and ensure additional support for all students. Students are to wear their sports uniform, including school hat.
Uniform update- we are awaiting an update from Belezza regarding the rugby top option for students. Can we please ensure that the pants the girls are wearing are navy blue and not black. Students also need to ensure that they are wearing their school hats when outside.
A reminder that St James is closed for staff professional development on Friday October 31 and Monday November 3.
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 | Melbourne 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
Sun Smart
St James Primary School is a proud member of the Sunsmart Schools Program.
During Terms 1 and 4, all students are required to wear a hat when outside.
No hat = No play.
Students without a hat will be asked to remain in designated shaded areas during break times.
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
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
