O'Dwyer Shield & Billy Hardy Shield
Recently our students participated in a very special sporting event against St Joseph's Primary in memory of two much-loved members of our community, Billy Hardy and Ryan O'Dwyer. This match is not just about competition—it’s about celebrating the values they both embodied: sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a love for the game.
Billy and Ryan left a lasting impact on everyone who knew them, and this annual event is a wonderful way to keep their spirit alive. The match was a fun and respectful one where our students honoured their legacy while fostering the friendships between our two schools.
O'Dwyer Shield & Billy Hardy Shield
Term 4 Camps
School camps are a highlight of the year for many students—and for good reason! These experiences offer more than just a fun getaway; they are an opportunity for students to grow, bond, and learn in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether it’s challenging themselves on a ropes course, working together in team-building activities, or simply sharing stories around the campfire, school camps help develop essential life skills like independence, resilience, and teamwork.
For our students at St James, camp is also a time to deepen friendships and create lasting memories. Away from the usual school routine, they get the chance to connect with peers in new ways, strengthening their sense of community and belonging. The activities are designed not only to be enjoyable but also to promote personal growth, leadership, and confidence in every student.
In Term 4, 6 Grades will have their 2025 camp experience:
Kindergarten: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary visit and extended school stay on November 12th.
Year 1: Paradise Country visit and extended school stay on November 12th.
Year 2: Seaworld visit and extended school stay on November 12th.
Year 3: 1 night stay at Camp Goodenough on November 27th & 28th.
Year 4: 2 night stay at Tyalgum Ridge on November 5th - 7th
Year 5: 2 night stay at Lake Ainsworth on November 10th - 12th
We’re looking forward to seeing the smiles, laughter, and excitement as students embark on their camp adventures this year! It’s an experience that enriches their school journey and leaves them with stories to tell for years to come.
Parent Community Group
Our Term 4 Parent Community Group Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6th. We were delighted with the strong turnout at our Term 3 meeting and hope to see even more parents join us this time.
These gatherings are an important way for families to share perspectives, strengthen the partnership between home and school, and help shape the future of our community. By working together, we create the best possible learning environment for our children.
We warmly invite you to come along, be part of the conversation, and continue building the vibrant community that makes St James so special.
Term 4 Dates & Events
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for Term 4.
- November 4th: Kindergarten 2026 Family BBQ
- November 5th - 7th: Year 4 Camp
- November 6th: Parent Community Meeting
- November 10th - 12th: Year 5 Camp
- November 11th: Remembrance Day Service
- November 11th: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 1
- November 12th: Year 2 Camp
- November 13th & 14th: Pupil Free Days
- November 18th: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 2
- November 25th: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 3
- November 27th & 28th: Year 3 Camp
- December 1st - 5th: Swimming Program
- December 2nd: Year 6 Graduation Mass
- December 2nd: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 4 & Whole school step-up day
- December 8th - 12th: Swimming Program
- December 10th: Swimming Carnival
- December 11th: Christmas Carols
- December 15th: Kindergarten [2025] Graduation
- December 16th: End of Year Whole School Liturgy
- December 16th: Year 6 Dinner Dance
- December 17th: Final Whole School Assembly & Final Day of Term 4 / 2025 school year
Please note our pupil-free days for 2025:
- November 13th & 14th, and December 18th & 19th.
Please note the Parent Community Group Meeting dates for 2025:
- November 6th (7pm - MPC).
Other information.....
Please note the following additional information.....
Parenting support and learning.....
Please note the following parenting supporting & learning items.....
Pack a water bottle in your lunchbox!
Don’t forget to pack a water bottle every day!
Keeping hydrated helps kids stay focused, energised and feeling their best throughout the school day.
For more information on the benefits of water and tips for getting kids to drink more visit http://www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/.../tips-for-drinking...
Upcoming events.....
Please note the following upcoming events......
To conclude: All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days – A Time of Prayer, Hope and Reflection
As a Catholic school, the beginning of November is always a sacred time for us to gather in remembrance and celebration. On November 1st, we observed All Saints’ Day, honouring the countless saints—both known and unknown—who lived lives of deep faith and service. These holy men and women inspire us to walk in their footsteps, living with love, charity, and devotion to God.
On November 2nd, we commemorated All Souls’ Day, a time when we pause to pray for all who have gone before us. As a school community, we hold close our loved ones and all the faithful departed, entrusting them to God’s mercy and the promise of eternal life.
In the classrooms, students are learning more about the saints and their stories, helping them to see that sainthood is not distant, but lived out in ordinary, faithful choices every day. These days remind us of the deep connections between heaven and earth, and they call us to live with hope—the theme guiding our Church this year. The Year of Hope encourages us to look to the saints as companions on the journey and to trust that God’s love continues to work through us and for us.
Looking ahead, we would also like to inform families of two upcoming pupil free days on Thursday, November 13th and Friday, November 14th. These are critical days in our school calendar when staff dedicate time to planning for the 2026 school year. Following this period, we will share with you important updates regarding our plans, staffing, and arrangements for 2026. We thank you sincerely for your support of these days and of our staff’s professional learning—your partnership allows us to continue building a thriving school community for your children.
May the saints inspire us, may our prayers for the departed bring comfort, and may this Year of Hope continue to strengthen our journey together in faith.
With blessings,
Karen & Kylie
Thumbs-Up
- Year 6 student leaders, our staff and all families for supporting our recent Mission Fair.
- Parents for celebrating Australian Teacher's Day for our teachers and staff.
- Teachers and support staff who are working very hard to organise wonderful camp experiences for our students.
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
Today we joined schools across the country in celebrating Australian Teacher’s Day—a wonderful opportunity to pause and recognise the extraordinary people who guide, nurture and inspire our students each day.
At St James, we are blessed with a dedicated team of teachers and staff who share in the mission of Catholic education. Every adult in our school—whether in the classroom, the playground, the office, or behind the scenes—plays an important role in shaping the learning and wellbeing of our children. Together, they embody the spirit of service, walking alongside families to ensure our students grow in knowledge, faith and hope.
We give thanks to God for our staff, whose work reflects the example of Jesus, the greatest teacher of all. Through His life and words, Jesus taught us about love, compassion and truth. In this Year of Hope, we are reminded that education is not just about knowledge, but about helping children see a future full of possibility, guided by God’s light.
A heartfelt thank you to our parents for your ongoing support of our staff, and for the beautiful morning tea that was shared in honour of Australian Teacher’s Day. Your kindness and appreciation mean so much and affirm the partnership that makes our school community so strong.
To all our teachers and staff—thank you for the hard work you do each and every day. May God continue to bless your vocation as you inspire hope and faith in the lives of our children.
To conclude: Grandparents Day and Book Week – A Celebration of Love, Faith and Stories
Last Term our community was blessed to come together for two very special occasions: Grandparents Day and Book Week. Both were a reminder of the deep connections that shape our children’s lives – the love of family and the gift of stories.
Grandparents are such a precious part of our school community. Their presence in the lives of our students is a living testimony of love, patience and faith. The joy on the children’s faces as they welcomed their grandparents into classrooms and shared time together was a beautiful witness to the way love bridges generations. In many ways, grandparents are the first storytellers of a family – passing on wisdom, faith, and traditions that help children understand who they are and how they are called to live.
Book Week, too, gave us reason to celebrate. The theme reminded us that reading is more than a pastime – it is a lifelong adventure. Through books, our children learn to dream, to imagine, and to grow in understanding of the world and of themselves. Just as Scripture has been handed down through the generations to guide us in faith, so too do the stories we read nurture hearts and minds, opening them to God’s wonder and truth.
This year, as we continue to walk together in the Year of Hope, both celebrations invited us to see hope alive in our school. We saw it in the gentle smiles of grandparents, in the laughter of children discovering new characters and adventures, and in the way our community gathered to honour both family and learning.
We give thanks to God for our grandparents, who embody unconditional love, and for the gift of books, which inspire lifelong curiosity and joy. May the seeds of faith, hope and knowledge planted in our children continue to flourish – guided by the wisdom of those who came before them and strengthened by the stories that light the path ahead.
With blessings,
Kylie & Karen
Grandparent's Day and Book Week - 2025
Mission Fair
Today Friday, October 17th, we held our annual Mission Fair and Crazy Sock Day, and what an incredible day it was! The event was a huge success, filled with fun, laughter, and generosity from all our students. Our Year 6 leaders did a tremendous job organising and running the stalls, putting in a great effort to ensure everyone had a memorable day.
We are so proud of our senior students for their hard work and dedication, knowing that all the proceeds will go to those in need of our financial aid. Their commitment to supporting the dignity of the human person and the common good truly shone through.
Thank you to all the students who brought along their spare change and joined in to make this day a wonderful celebration of our missionary efforts. Your support will make a real difference to those who need it most!
Mission Fair
Sporting news
A huge congratulations to the talented students who represented St James Primary at the Diocesan Netball in Week 10, Term 3. They played with incredible determination, teamwork, and school spirit, making us all very proud. Well done on a fantastic effort!
Thank you to the coaches, staff, and supporters who helped make these events possible. Well done to all involved!
Our sporting stars
Term 4 Dates & Events
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for Term 4.
- October 31st: Australian Teacher's Day
- November 4th: Kindergarten 2026 Family BBQ
- November 5th - 7th: Year 4 Camp
- November 6th: Parent Community Meeting
- November 10th - 12th: Year 5 Camp
- November 11th: Remembrance Day
- November 11th: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 1
- November 12th: Kindergarten-Year 2 Camp Day
- November 13th & 14th: Pupil Free Days
- November 18th: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 2
- November 21st: Year 4 Bike Ed (Boys)
- November 25th: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 3
- November 27th & 28th: Year 3 Camp
- December 1st - 5th: Swimming Program
- December 2nd: Year 6 Graduation Mass
- December 2nd: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 4 & Whole school step-up day
- December 8th - 12th: Swimming Program
- December 10th: Swimming Carnival
- December 11th: Christmas Carols
- December 15th: Kindergarten [2025] Graduation
- December 16th: End of Year Whole School Liturgy
- December 16th: Year 6 Dinner Dance
- December 17th: Final Whole School Assembly & Final Day of Term 4 / 2025 school year
Please note our pupil-free days for 2025:
- November 13th & 14th, and December 18th & 19th.
Please note the Parent Community Group Meeting dates for 2025:
- November 6th (7pm - MPC).
Other information.....
Please note the following additional information.....
Parenting support and learning.....
Please note the following parenting supporting & learning items.....
A new way of preparing teachers comes to our schools
From 2026, our Catholic Schools in Tweed Heads, Pottsville and Coffs Harbour will be part of an exciting new program with Southern Cross University that reimagines how teachers are trained.
The Reimagining Teacher Education (RiTE) initiative will see Master of Teaching students learning in classrooms from the very first week of their studies. Instead of waiting until the end of their degree to gain experience, these Associate Teachers will spend two days a week in schools throughout their training.
What this means for our Catholic schools
- Extra support in classrooms for teachers and students.
- Fresh energy and ideas from aspiring teachers.
- Strong mentoring links between experienced staff and the next generation of educators.
Adam Spencer, Director of Catholic Schools, says our schools are looking forward to welcoming these student teachers. “Our students and staff will benefit from the added support and new perspectives, while these future teachers gain valuable experience in a real school community.”
Thinking of becoming a teacher?
If you’ve ever thought about teaching, this could be the time. Enrolments in the Southern Cross University Master of Teaching opens on 11 November 2025 with classes commencing early March 2026. With the RiTE program, you’ll not only study but also gain practical experience in our Catholic Schools from the start.
Find out more at: SCU Master of Teaching
New Resource for Families: Supporting Children Through Grief and Loss
We know that grief and loss can be some of the most difficult experiences for children to face. To support families in having these important conversations, a series of videos and resources has been created for parents and carers.
These resources, which focus on bereavement, are now available in the Parent Resource Centre Link.
We encourage you to explore these materials and use them to support your child during times of loss. If you have any concerns about how your child is coping, please share them with us so we can work together to provide the care and support they need.
Online Guardians Seminar
On Monday 17th November, Nathan Verinder will be visiting students from Years 2 - 6 to discuss online education and safety.
In the coming days, we will send an Event via Compass requesting consent for your child to attend the age appropriate seminar. Students will also complete an anonymous survey at school, to inform Nathan of their online interests, allowing him to tailor his talk to meet his audience.
Following this, we invite parents and guardians to listen to Nathan talk about online safety and how we as carers can help keep our children safe. This one hour session will be held from 7-8 pm on Monday, 17th November.
More information is in the agenda below.
Healthy Lunchboxes
Build a healthy lunchbox by including foods from each of the 5 food groups. Include some vegetables for Crunch & Sip, as a snack or as part of a main item.
For more information on how to build a healthy lunchbox, visit www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/healthy-lunchboxes
Upcoming events.....
Please note the following upcoming events......
Thumbs-Up
- All students for returning to school with positive attitudes.
- Our maintenance crew who worked tirelessly during the break to ensure our learning environment is clean and tidy.
- All those involved in the Grandparent's Day and Book Week celebrations.
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
Welcome to Term 4! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday break and has returned feeling refreshed and ready for the final part of the 2025 academic year.
During the break, on October 4th, our Church celebrated the feast of St Francis of Assisi. St Francis, born in 1181 in Italy, abandoned a life of luxury to devote himself to Christianity after hearing God's voice, calling him to rebuild the Church and embrace poverty. After his canonisation, he became the patron saint of animals and the environment.
St Francis’ prayer for peace beautifully reminds us of the values we aspire to—goodwill, love, and harmony. Let us pray together:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
School Uniform - Year 6 Polo Top
Each year, our Year 6 students have the privilege of wearing a unique polo shirt that celebrates their final year of primary school. This special shirt not only marks their graduation year but also sets them apart as school leaders—filling them with pride and excitement throughout the year.
While our current polo has served us well, its light colour has meant it often becomes difficult to keep looking fresh as the year goes on. With this in mind, we are introducing a new tradition beginning this year.
From now on, our Year 5 students will be invited to design the Year 6 polo using the supplier’s website. These designs will be submitted to the Principal, and the Year 5 cohort will then vote on the top options. The winning design will become the Year 6 polo for the following year.
This new process will continue each year, giving our students genuine ownership and agency in shaping this important symbol of their leadership and final year of primary school.