13 September 2024

Our Mission @ SJM

St James’ Primary School community excel in education through living and learning in Christ.

Quote

God can accomplish great things for the good of all through those who remain humble and grateful. #ApostolicJourney

-Pope Francis

Principal’s Message

Last Thursday, we were delighted to host a free BBQ as a heartfelt thank you to our incredible community, in particular the students and staff. This event was a small token of our appreciation for the strength, patience, and cooperation you all showed during the recent evacuation following the earthquake.

Your support made a challenging situation more manageable, and we wanted to celebrate that spirit with our BBQ. It was wonderful to see so many happy faces.

Thank you once again for your resilience and for coming together as a community.

As you know, recent earthquakes in our area have been followed by ongoing aftershocks. The situation remains fluid, and it is important to stay vigilant and prepared.

As discussed previously, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Stay Informed: Monitor local news and official updates for the latest information and guidance.
2. Prepare Your Home: Ensure that heavy items are secured and that you have an emergency kit with essential supplies ready.
3. Follow Safety Protocols: Drop, Cover, and Hold On during tremors. Aftershocks can be strong and unpredictable, so be cautious of potential hazards.
4. Check on Loved Ones: Reach out to family and friends to make sure they are safe and offer assistance if needed.
5. Seek Shelter if Necessary: If you feel unsafe in your current location, seek shelter in a sturdy, well-constructed building.

Your safety is our top priority. Please take care and stay alert. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves, especially if they take place during school times.

Remember, if we have a power outage the school’s Facebook page should be your first place to look for updates, followed by COMPASS.

School Olympics – Congratulations Team Australia

We're thrilled to announce that Team Australia has emerged victorious in the SJM School Olympics. Congratulations to 2G & 4G. Your hard work, dedication, and team spirit truly shone through, and we couldn't be prouder.

Moosies were handed out to all team members on Monday to celebrate this fantastic achievement. We hope you enjoy this sweet treat as a token of our appreciation for your performance.

Additionally, get ready for an exciting Pump Track excursion scheduled for Week 10.  It’s going to be a great opportunity for fun and adventure, so keep an eye on COMPASS for all the details and updates.

Once again, congratulations to Team Australia!

Congrats

We are thrilled to extend our congratulations to Darcy Norman for his impressive performance in the State PSSA Softball Tournament. Representing the Polding team, Darcy and his teammates showcased their skills and dedication, ultimately securing 8th place out of 13 competing teams.

Darcy's commitment and sportsmanship were evident throughout the tournament, and his contributions were integral to the team's overall success. This achievement reflects not only his individual talent but also the hard work and teamwork of the entire Polding squad.

Well done, Darcy! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishment.

We want to extend our best wishes to Stella Medhurst as she competes in the State PSSA Rugby 7’s with the Polding team. Stella has worked incredibly hard to earn her place and we’re excited to see her showcase her skills and determination.

We can’t wait to hear all about your experiences and successes at the tournament, Stella. Go out there and give it your all!

Finally, We extend our good luck wishes to Logan McFawn, Levi Cullen, and Zane Wills as they head to the Polding Athletics competition this Friday. We’re all cheering for your success.

Annual School Visit Highlights: A Day of Connection and Growth

Last Wednesday, our school had the honour of hosting over 20 guests from the Diocese and the Catholic Schools Office. The visit was a fantastic opportunity for them to learn about our ongoing projects and future plans.

Throughout the day, our visitors engaged in meaningful conversations with both staff and students, offering valuable insights and encouragement. We are grateful for their time and attention, and we look forward to building on the ideas and feedback shared during their visit.

A special thank you to everyone involved for making this visit a success and for fostering a stronger connection within our educational community.

Mr Aaron Moon
Principal

Assistant Principal

Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition 

Recently, the Year 5 and Year 6 students participated in the Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition. We are awaiting the results, so stay tuned for this information. Participation in this test gave all Stage 3 students the opportunity to test their numeracy and problem-solving skills in one of Australia’s longest running annual mathematics competitions.  

The competition is now in its 43^rd year and continues to grow each year, attracting almost 20,000 students from 340 schools. 

Examples of part papers can be found here - https://www.newcastlepermanent.com.au/community/primary-maths-competition#ah_319D1C932E724C83A4312D4BE560CC9B 

Change of Student Details  

Any change of address, telephone number, emergency contact, marital status or any other information parents feel the school should know must be forwarded to enable changes on school records. Court orders and legal matters must be addressed to the Principal in a timely manner. 

Uniform

We are in a transition phase from our Winter uniform to our Summer Uniform. Please ensure that your child either comes to school in their full Winter or Summer uniform, not a mixture of both. Mr Moon regularly visits each classroom for a uniform check. If your child has a change in their uniform like, socks, shoes, jumper/jacket, please write a note or send an email to your child’s teacher to let them know.

Self-care September Challenge

Throughout the month of September, I have subscribed to journey through a 30-Day Self-Care Challenge, where it's reminds me that it is essential to sprinkle in moments that genuinely make our hearts sing.

Joy is rejuvenating. When we engage in activities we love, it's as if our souls get a mini vacation. These moments remind us of the beauty in life, recharging our spirits and providing a respite from daily stressors.

The Magic of Doing What You Love:

• Boosts Mood: Engaging in favourite activities releases endorphins, our body's natural mood elevators.
• Enhances Creativity: Enjoyable activities often stimulate our creative sides, leading to newfound inspiration.
• Connects Us to Ourselves: Doing what we love helps us reconnect with our passions and remember what makes us unique.
• Promotes Relaxation: Enjoyment brings relaxation, helping to reduce stress and increase overall well-being.

Your Challenge for the next week:

• Identify Your Joy: What is that one activity that never fails to bring a smile to your face? Maybe it's reading, painting, gardening, or even dancing around your living room.
• Prioritise Pleasure: Carve out some time throughout your week, even if it's just a few minutes, to indulge in this activity. Let go of any guilt or thoughts of "I should be doing..." and immerse yourself fully in the joy of the moment.
• Savour the Experience: While you're engaged, try to be present. Notice how you feel, the emotions it evokes, and any sensations in your body.
• Reflect: Afterward, jot down your feelings. Did this activity uplift you? Did it reignite a spark? How can you make it a regular part of your routine?

A Little Inspiration:
"Find out what makes you kinder, what opens you up and brings out the most loving, generous, and unafraid version of you—and go after those things as if nothing else matters. Because, actually, nothing does." - George Saunders

Prioritising what you love is a beautiful form of self-care. It reminds you of the simple pleasures in life and the importance of joy in our journey.

So, every day has the potential to be a little brighter when we sprinkle in moments of pure joy.

Enjoy your week

Mrs Jane Jacobs
Acting Assistant Principal

Religion

As we approach the final few weeks of Term 3 we look forward to all of the upcoming events in our school community.

Next week we will have Addison, Jaykob, Stella and Logan representing St James at the launch of Socktober at McDonald Jones Stadium on the 17^th September. These students have created a fantastic video that will be shared on the big screen on the day!

A big thankyou also goes out Kindergarten for their beautiful Father’s Day Liturgy. The students were extremely reverent and respectful and put together a wonderful celebration and reflection of those important male role models in our lives. We hope that all fathers and caregivers felt the appreciation and love from their children and the St James community.

This Sunday 15^th September also marks Maitland- Newcastle Diocese Perpetual Day of Remembrance. This day is to reflect upon the past and is challenging for all. On this day we pause and remember. Lots of things have changed since then. Last week we celebrated National Child Protection Week when we highlighted all the important things we do today to make sure children are feeling safe, supported and valued in our schools and wider church communities. May we continue to work towards a bright future and that shines Christs light of compassion, acceptance, courage and forgiveness.

Mrs Lauren Gehrig
Acting Religious Education Coordinator

Merit Awards

Class News

ES1

We are looking forward to our excursion to Highbrook park. While at the park not only will we have a play, extending our learning from the geography unit of learning to discover our local community. We will be appreciating how places can be special to us and how indigenous cultures have a special connection to the land. Students will be using our senses by exploring the sights, sounds, smells and textures in the environment. Students will also learn to understand the importance of looking after the environment and local community by noticing how people and animals have and impact on the environment. They will develop the importance of picking up rubbish and caring for the environment so we can all enjoy special places.

 We hope you have a spectacular week

Mrs Donna Smith (KG) and Mrs Trishelle Threadgate (KM)

Stage 1

Dear Stage 1 Families,

We are flying through Term 3 learning and laughing lots and having fun. There are only 3 weeks left of the term before we have a much-needed two-week break, and we all can’t wait!

Stage 1 have been busy engaging in interesting and interactive content across all key learning areas. In Creative Arts, we have been studying the captivating floral artworks of Vincent Van Gogh and having a go at recreating them ourselves. Year 1 and Year 2 teachers are very impressed by students’ passion and creativity. Their artworks are brightening our classrooms!

In Geography, students continue to learn about the world’s oceans and continents. We have studied various countries and oceans, with students making personal connections during their learning by observing where in the world they have visited before.

Year 2 had a blast on their excursion to Baiame Caves at the end of Week 6! Please head over to the SJM Facebook page to read more about what we got up to and what we learned on the day. A special thanks to Mrs Thompson, Aunty Wanda, Mrs Gavin, Mr Sweeney, and ASPECT Gold students and staff for joining Miss Cooper, Miss Becus, 2M, and 2G.

Students in Stage 1 continue to study imaginative texts, learning the importance of developing detailed narratives to make their audience entertained. We continue to use our ‘third teacher’ – our classroom displays and Bump It Up Walls – to improve our writing.

Thank you for your constant collaboration and communication with your child’s learning. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get into contact with your child’s teacher.

Kind Regards,
Mrs Baker & Mrs Ballard (1G), Mr Sabotic & Mrs Whithead (1M), Miss Cooper (2M), Miss Becus (2G)

Stage 2

Welcome to week 8, the end of Term 3 is fast approaching! Students have been working very hard in their classrooms.

This week Students have been exploring the connection between the climate zones of Australia, vegetation growth and the types of animals that live there. Students are starting to understand just how big of an impact climate has on flora and fauna. Students will be applying this knowledge to design their own zoo. Students will select 4 different animals from 4 diverse climates and design a habitat for them.

I am happy to report that in science we have had success in growing our herbs in the terrariums! Students will now work on designing a pizza using their sustainably grown herbs!

End of term reward will be held on Thursday the 26^th it is Laser Skirmish. To celebrate the end of term 3 SJM will also be having it’s annual PJ Day on Friday the 27/9/24. I hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather! If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s classroom teacher.

Miss Maher (3M), Miss Fitzsimmons (3G), Miss Dafter (4G), Mrs Jane Jacobs & Mrs Mary Ballard (4M)

Stage 3

Term 3 is flying by!  Stage 3 has been busy inside and outside the classroom. We have been very lucky to have been participating in Sports Fun each Thursday. Stage 3 has been enjoying the expert guidance from our friends at St Joseph’s Aberdeen. We have been very proud of our Stage 3 students in the way that they represent our school with pride.

Within Science we are continuing to learn about earthquakes. With the recent earthquakes in Muswellbrook our students have been able to use their personal experiences to connect more closely with our content. We have been looking at the classification and measurement of earthquakes. Stage 3 has also been utilising our lovely new computers to complete this unit.

This term in Geography we have been exploring the classification of land. We have also been exploring the climate. Stage 3 has also explored the connection between climate and population.

This week we had some fantastic visitors come to speak to Stage 3. A Senior Constable came to speak to us about online safety. We discussed some useful strategies to use when online. We also had Peta Longhurst Tourette's Australia. Peta discussed her diagnosis of Tourette’s with the students. It was a highly informative presentation which the students were highly engaged with. 

Thank you for your continued support in the education of your child. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Mrs Gehrig (5G), Miss Brimble (5M), Mr Sweeney (6G), Mrs McLennan (6M)

What’s on in the Library

Overdue Loans

Please ensure all overdue loans are returned by next week please.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Congratulations to Ruby Tilse who has successfully completed the NSW 2024 Premier’s Reading Challenge. It is wonderful to see your enthusiasm and dedication towards reading. 

New Resources

Please see new resources attached.

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Happy Reading!

Lisa Wilson
Teacher Librarian

Nadene Douglas
Library Assistant

Community Notices

St. James’ P & F Association

P&F Committee Contacts