Student Reports - Survey
We value your input and believe that effective communication about student progress is crucial for their success. To ensure our diocesan student report templates are meeting your needs, we kindly request your participation in a brief survey. Please access this link to provide confidential feedback. Thank you for your time and support.
Canteen News
As you are aware we have had a supply issue with our Sushi for the school canteen. We have been able to secure the same supplier, but for this to occur, Sushi will need to be ordered by 11am the day before ie: Mondays and Thursdays for arrival on our canteen days (Tuesdays & Fridays).
All other menu items are available as per the normal schedule.
Ordering options for Sushi only:
Compass on Mondays and Thursdays by the 11am cut-off.
We thank you again for your support and assistance with this.
Confirmation
Next term Year 3 will prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. This begins the sacramental journey which finishes in Year 4 with the First Holy Communion. A letter of information about the Parish program, and enrolment form have been sent to all students in Year 3. Enrolment forms need to be handed to the Church and can be handed in on Sunday the 7th July at 9am Mass or Saturday 20th July at 5pm Mass.
If your child is in years 4, 5, or 6 and would like to join this program, please email Mrs Sanderson (AP Mission) (bpp@lism.catholic.edu.au) and she will send you information about the sacramental program.
Farewell Fr Wilber
On Sunday 23rd June, Fr Wilber led his last mass at our St Joseph's Parish. Our parish schools came together to acknowledge and appreciate all that Fr Wilber has done for us, presenting him with his very own Akubra hat to wear at his new parish in Casino.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Teach Your Child to be an Upstander
An upstander is a student who actively observes and takes action when they witness
bullying, whether it involves intervention, interruption, or speaking out against it. Their role
is paramount because without an "upstander", the peer facing bullying will frequently
experience an overwhelming sense of isolation, compounded by the fact that there are
bystanders who choose to remain silent. This silence not only fosters the belief that others
are indifferent but also suggests approval of the ongoing bullying behaviour.
There are some simple messages that you can teach your child.
1. To treat others the way we would like to be treated (Luke 6:31).
● Help your child to understand what bullying is and the different forms it can
take in school and online. By teaching your child about bullying and the need to face it with courage, you can help them to be brave and stand up to bullying
behaviour.
● Social exclusion is a hurtful form of bullying that is more prominent now than
face-to-face bullying. Social exclusion can occur online and face-to-face.
Encourage your child to talk to you or a trusted adult if they see this harmful
behaviour in order to problem solve how they can help.
● Teach your child that if they are standing by and watching bullying behaviour
face to face or online would they be fine with this behaviour occurring to them?
This can teach empathy. Also asking ‘What if this was happening to your best
friend or sibling?’ can help to teach compassion.
2. Every person, regardless of what he or she looks or acts like, is created in the image
of God (Gen. 1:26-27; James 3:9-10) and is worthy of the dignity that God gives to
every person.
● Model and teach your child to respect diversity. Teach your child that it is hurtful
to bully others based on aspects such as their physical features, skin colour,
race, skill level, and age.
● Model and teach your child to be open and accepting of diversity in school and
the community. A way to help your child understand empathy is to use the
concept of the circle of concern. According to the Harvard University project
‘Making Caring Common’, children are generally kind and empathetic to people
they know, but parents can help teach children to be kind and empathetic to
people outside of their immediate circle of concern. Start with someone in your
street, a new classmate or a relative who may be socially excluded, and
encourage your child to start a conversation. Teach them to look for similarities,
not differences. Encourage your child to ask a classmate who plays or always
sits alone to join them during break time.
● Talk to them openly and honestly about how we are all unique and different.
Remind your child that everyone likes feeling included and appreciated by
experiencing kindness and friendship at school.
● Consider the values you reflect to your child. Encourage the values of inclusion
and kindness in your family life so that your child learns and acts on these
values.
Watch with your child Toasted TV: How to be a bullying upstander from kidshelpline.
Term 2 chicken care
Our school chickens (Rosalind, Henrietta, Marigold & Petunia) need care during the Term 2 weekends and the end of Term 2 holidays. So, we invite families to go on the roster as explained below.
Term 2 weekend roster:
- Attend school on Saturday and Sunday and feed the chickens food scraps from home and give them some seed (provided). Check the eggs and take them home to enjoy some yummy scrambled, poached, or fried eggs!
July holiday roster:
- Attend school for a period of days during the July holiday break (according to the roster) and feed the chickens food scraps from home and give them some seed (provided). Check their water and feeder. Check the eggs and take them home to enjoy some yummy scrambled, poached, or fried eggs!
If you can help care for the chickens on the following weekends, please email the office at bpp@lism.catholic.edu.au
Saturday June 22nd & Sunday June 23rd
Saturday June 29th & Sunday June 30th
Saturday July 6th & Sunday July 7th
In advance, thank you for helping us take care of our little chicks!
Confirmation
Next term Year 3 will prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. This begins the sacramental journey which finishes in Year 4 with First Holy Communion. A letter of information about the Parish program will be sent to all students in the coming weeks. If your child is in years 4, 5, or 6 a baptised Catholic, and has not yet received their sacraments, and would like to join the next program, please email Mrs Sanderson (AP Mission) bpp@lism.catholic.edu.au and she will send you information about the sacramental program.
If you are interested in becoming baptised so you can participate in the sacramental program, please email Kathy Twohill and Donna Walsh in the St Joseph's Parish Office. donnaw@stjosephs.org.au ktwohill@stjosephs.org.au
Farewell Fr Wilber
Our Parish school chaplain, Father Wilber, is leaving us very soon to continue his work in the Lismore diocese at the parish of Casino. Please join us to say goodbye to Wilber on Sunday 23rd June as he celebrates his final 9 am Mass at St Joseph's Church Tweed Heads. There will be a shared morning tea afterwards.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Tell Them From Me Survey
Our Tell Them From Me Survey closed on May 24th. We sincerely thank parents and families who completed the survey that will help shape our school improvement journey. Data from past surveys has been used to make positive changes for our students, staff and families. This year we wanted at least 100 surveys completed, and we're happy to report that we surpassed this and 119 surveys were done! [109 surveys were done in 2023]. This is a wonderful number and shows the investment our families have in the success and growth of our school - thank you! The data from the 2024 survey will be available soon.
Volunteers
To support our volunteers who assist in many, many ways in our school, we have created a Volunteer Guide that outlines what is required from our generous and welcomed volunteers. Each time anyone volunteers this guide will form part of the orientation and induction so that we can continue to provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Peer Support
Each Friday afternoon in Term 2, students from K-6 will be involved in the Peer Support program, led by our Year 6 leaders. The focus is on Living positively through developing an optimistic mindset. The program will help students develop the skills of resilience, coping strategies, critical thinking and planning. Please read on for more information.
Mary MacKillop
Thursday, August 8th is feast day of St Mary MacKillop. As we commemorate this special day, we honour the remarkable legacy of Mary MacKillop, a true beacon of light in Australia's history. Mary's unwavering dedication to education and compassion continues to inspire us. Mary MacKillop, affectionately known as Saint Mary of the Cross, blazed trails in the 19th century by founding the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. With a profound belief in the transformative power of education, she established schools across Australia, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas, providing opportunities for countless children to learn and grow.
Beyond her educational endeavors, Mary embodied compassion in action. She tirelessly worked to support the poor, the marginalized, and those in need, embodying the spirit of service and empathy.
As we reflect on Mary MacKillop's life and achievements, let us rekindle her spirit of resilience, kindness, and determination in our own lives. May her legacy continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities and strive for a world where education and compassion reign supreme.
In honour of Mary MacKillop, let us commit ourselves to fostering a culture of learning, empathy, and inclusion, ensuring that her vision of a better world lives on. Parents and friends are invited to our special Light the Way to celebrate Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross, on Monday, August 5th at 8:40am in the MPC.
Zone Athletics
All the best to the following students who will represent St James at the Zone Athletics on Friday, August 2nd. Callum A, Harley B, Xavier B, Rykar B, Lucas C, Iziah C, Jed C, Violet C, Max C, Grace C, Rosalie D, Cooper D, Billy D, Emilia DS, Lucia DS, Parker D, Sunny E, Tahlia F, Van G, Lacey G, Hype G, Timothy H, Bethany I, Ezekiel I, Jovan J, Braxton K, Sonny L, Ikal M, Zoe M, Jake M, Archer M, Maya PM , Sienna P, Grace R, Junia R, Edward S, Eden S, Luca T, Jessica V, Ashton V, Hannah W, Kayla W, Liam W, Ava W, Willow W
Tweed Public Speaking
Recently students self-nominated to enter the St James Public Speaking event; we congratulate all of the students who participated in this; they all did an amazing job, showing courage and skill to speak in front of an audience. A selection of students will represent St James at the Tweed Public Speaking event on Thursday, August 8th. We wish them all the best.
- Early Stage 1: Olsen W and Matilda P
- Stage 1: Evie B and Michael B
- Stage 2: Asha M and Violet P
- Stage 3: Elspeth M and Vincent P
Parent Community Group
Our next meeting of the Parent Community Group will be held in the MPC on Thursday, August 8th (7pm). Refreshments and conversation will help our discussions, as we work together to enhance our beautiful school and students' experiences. The first meeting of the Parent Community Group in Term 2 was held in the evening, with the hope that more parents could be involved; 5 parents attended. We decided to keep this time this term and we're aiming to at least double attendance, so we hope to see you there.
The agenda will include:
- Discussing and organising the proposed Term 3 Student Disco.
- Brainstorming ideas and possible events for an adults-only Term 3 event.
- Parent input into re-imaging the St James School Ethos (Vision, Mission and Outcomes).
- Parent Learning: Rights and Responsibilities of Students at St James Primary.
To conclude
Next week we will celebrate NAIDOC Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the rich culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This annual observance is not just a week; it's a profound opportunity for all Australians to reflect, learn, and come together in unity.
This year's theme is, "Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud." The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Throughout NAIDOC Week, students will engage in meaningful conversations, attend events, and be immerse in Indigenous art, music, dance, and storytelling. Let's commit to ongoing reconciliation efforts and advocate for justice, equality, and empowerment for Indigenous communities.
Together, let's honour NAIDOC Week not just with words, but with action, as we strive towards a future of unity, respect, and reconciliation.
With blessings,
Nic
School Improvement Goals: Fortnightly update
Short Term Goals
To commence Term 3 our short-term goal will be "Students will reconnect with their peers and teachers and maintain a high standard of school attendance."
Other information
Please note the following additional information.....
Parenting support & learning
Please note the following parenting supporting & learning items.....
eSafety Parent Webinars Term 3
Understanding how to support your child with online gaming
Suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and early secondary school.
Tuesday, 30 July, 12.30pm
Tuesday, 3 September, 12.30pm
Register here
Consent and online boundaries: How to support your primary-aged child
Suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.
Tuesday, 13 August, 12.30 pm
Wednesday, 11 September, 12.30 pm
Register here
An introduction to online safety and emerging technologies
Suitable for parents and carers of children and parents in primary and secondary school.
Wednesday, 24 July, 2.30pm
Thursday, 5 September, 12.30pm
Register here
Item 7: Friendships Start with Self-Concept
A child's self-concept significantly influences their social development. When children have
a positive self-view, they tend to engage in social interactions confidently and resiliently,
handling challenges and peer interactions constructively. A strong self-concept helps
children develop greater social competence, including effective communication, empathy,
and friendship-building skills. Self-concept also plays a crucial role in identity formation,
helping children understand their values, beliefs, and interests and fostering authentic
connections and a sense of belonging.
What can parents do to nurture a positive self-concept?
Every child is unique so your pathway will not be the same.
Here are some tips from the Child Development Clinic
● Demonstrate affection and love towards your child through both your words
and actions. Communicate your enjoyment of spending time with them openly
and frequently.
● Take the time to truly understand your child. Show genuine interest in their
hobbies, friendships, and daily experiences. Ask them about their day and listen
attentively to their thoughts and feelings, accepting that their perspective may
differ from your own without judgment or criticism.
● Engage in quality bonding activities with your child that align with their interests
and strengths. Play games and explore activities together that they find
enjoyable and captivating.
● Encourage your child to cultivate relationships with other supportive individuals,
such as friends, family members, and community groups, fostering a sense of
belonging and acceptance.
● Acknowledge and praise your child's efforts and persistence rather than solely
focusing on their successes. Celebrate their progress and achievements while
emphasising the importance of trying their best without placing undue pressure
on them to excel.
● Help your child reframe failures or disappointments as valuable opportunities
for learning and personal growth.
● Refrain from labelling your child as either "good" or "bad," opting instead to
recognise and praise their strengths, positive qualities, and commendable
behaviours. Offer specific compliments that highlight their creativity, effort, and
kindness.
● Avoid comparing your child to their siblings or peers, as this can undermine
their self-esteem. Encourage them to focus on their own progress and
accomplishments rather than measuring themselves against others.
If you’re worried that your child lacks self-esteem, you can get help. Talk to your child’s
teacher or call Parent Line NSW.
Upcoming events
Please note the following upcoming events......
