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.
Wellbeing
At St James, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our students, families, and staff. Next week, we will be hosting two important initiatives that place connection, support, and community at the heart of our mission.
Services Expo – Tuesday, September 9
From 2:00–3:30pm we will host our Services Expo, an opportunity for parents and students to learn more about the wide range of community services available in our area. This is a wonderful chance to meet and network with the vital people and organisations who support families, health, and wellbeing in our community.R U OK? Day
On Friday, September 12, we will join schools and communities across the nation in recognising R U OK? Day. The focus of this day is to remind us all of the importance of checking in with our family, friends, and mates—not just on one day, but as an ongoing practice of care and connection.
Both initiatives reflect our belief that wellbeing grows when we look out for one another, seek support when needed, and nurture a culture of compassion.
Excursions
Recently our Kinder and Year 1 students enjoyed a wonderful excursion to HOTA (Home of the Arts), while our Year 4 Girls took part in the Bike Education program. Both experiences are part of our excursion program, which is designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and provide students with rich opportunities to connect their learning to the wider world.
Kinder and Year 1 loved exploring the arts in an engaging and hands-on way at HOTA, sparking their creativity and curiosity. Our Year 4 students developed important skills in road safety, bike handling, and confidence through Bike Ed—a program that combines fun with practical life skills.
We are very proud of the way our students represented St James, showing excellent behaviour, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. Most importantly, they had a fantastic time while growing in knowledge and experience.
HOTA & Bike Ed
NSW Netball Cup & Zone Athletics
Congratulations to Finn B, Lua C, Elspeth M, Gabriella M, Carter N, Spencer N, Lucy O, Grace R, Kairo V, Zoe A, Catelyn C, Mila D, Chelsea G, Jake M, Sienna N, Evie P, Sophie R, Aluna S, Jessica V, Ruby B, Penny C, Asha M, Niamh O, Bella P, Winter S, Sophie W, Hannah W, Peyton W, Adelyn A, Astyn A, Tessa B, Olivia E, Bella H, Charles O, Daya S, Mackenzie T, Victoria T, Savanna W, Evelyn B, Sylvie C, Grace C, Laney G, Zoe M, Isla M, India PS, Zoe R, Harvie R, Poppy S, Rykar B, Sophie C, Violet C, Lucia DS, Tahlia F, Ezekiel I, Maya M, Maya PM, Lainey W, Penny C, Evie C, Emilia DS, Makena D, Mikayla F, Zivah PM, Mia S, Andie S, Tully S, Summer S and Jacinta W who proudly represented St James at the NSW Netball Cup this week. The teams displayed outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, and determination throughout the day. Their enthusiasm on the court, encouragement of one another, and commitment to doing their best were wonderful to see.
Our students played 5 games against various schools in the Tweed area. Thank you to our competitive coaches who lead one of our senior mixed teams to victory; Mrs Von Mengersen and Mrs Everingham. Our competitive mixed team 'A' were undefeated; winning all 5 games over the course of the day. This team will be heading to Lismore to compete in the Primary Finals with hopes to make it to Sydney for the Schools Cup State Finals in November.
We also acknowledge and congratulate Harley B, Hudson B, Shivvy B, Xavier B, Rafael B, Sophie C, Jed C, Violet C, Penny C, Lennox C, Rosalie D, Emilia DS, Lucia DS, Tahlia F, Lacey G, Hype G, Ezekiel I, Sonny L, Jake M, Archer M, Emme M, Isla M, Elspeth M, Lucy O, Maya PM, Archie R, Grace R, Junia R, Ollie B, Brooklyn S, Sohana S, Luca S, Charlie T, Jessica V, Ryder W, Hannah W, Liam W, Coen W and Tom W who represented our school at the Tweed Zone Athletics Carnival. Competing against students from across the region, our athletes demonstrated courage, perseverance, and great school spirit. Their efforts on the track and in the field events were matched by their encouragement of one another—a true sign of the St James way.
We congratulate the following students who made the Lismore Diocesan team to compete in Newcastle later this month. - Jed - Senior Long Jump; - Emi - Junior 1500m; - Penny Junior Shot Put.
We are so proud of the way all our students represented our school with such positivity and spirit. A special thank you also to the staff and parents who supported the teams and athletes with training, organisation, and encouragement—it was a true community effort.
Well done to all involved on these excellent achievements!
Netball Cup & Zone Athletics
To conclude
As we come to the end of this week, we send our very best wishes to all the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our community as we celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday. Today, it was wonderful to share in our community breakfast at school—a special opportunity to honour the important role fathers play in the lives of our children.
We look to St Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, as a model of faith, humility, and devotion. Just as St Joseph guided and protected his family with love and strength, we give thanks for the fathers and father figures in our lives who do the same each day.
Loving God,
We give you thanks for the gift of our fathers.
Bless them with wisdom, patience, and strength,
that they may continue to guide their families with love.
May St Joseph watch over them,
and may they always find joy in the precious gift of fatherhood.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Happy Father’s Day!
With blessings,
Nic
Learning Conferences
A big thank you to all parents, staff, and students for your engagement in our Term 3 Learning Conferences. These meetings are such a valuable opportunity to come together as a learning community, celebrating the progress of each child and setting clear goals for the term ahead.
The purpose of our conferences is to:
Strengthen the partnership between home and school
Provide students with a voice in their learning journey
Reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for growth
Set shared goals that support each child’s wellbeing and learning success
The outcomes of these conversations go beyond academic progress—they help students build ownership of their learning, foster confidence, and ensure that teachers and parents are working side by side to support them. We are grateful for the time and commitment shown by all families and staff, and we know the children benefit greatly from these shared efforts.
Other information.....
Please note the following additional information.....
Parenting support and learning.....
Please note the following parenting supporting & learning items.....
Upcoming events.....
Please note the following upcoming events......
Term 3 Dates & Events
Please note the following events/dates scheduled for Term 3.
- September 9th: Services Expo [2pm].
- September 12th: R U Ok Day.
- September 19th: Stage 3 Gala Day.
- September 26th: Grandparent's Day and Book Week Dress Up Day.
- September 26th: Final Day of Term 3.
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).
Thumbs-Up
- Students, parents and staff for engaging in the Term 3 Learning Conferences.
- Everyone who supported the Year 3 sacrament of Confirmation journey.
- Everyone who assisted with our Father's Day celebrations.
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
This week we congratulate and celebrate our Year 3 students Evelyn B, Ollie B, Tessa B, Wynter B, Chloe C, Sylvie C, Annah D, Matteo DS, Seth F, Laney G, David H, Chloe J, Adrian K, Sonny L, Henry L, Zoe R, Harvie R, Oliver S, Poppy S, Victoria T, and Elliot W, who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. This special step in their faith journey marks the deepening of their baptismal grace and the strengthening of their bond with the Holy Spirit. It was a beautiful occasion that reflected the commitment of our children, the support of their families, and the guidance of their teachers and parish community.
Confirmation calls us to be witnesses of Christ in our world—living out the gifts of the Spirit in kindness, courage, and service. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, our newly confirmed students remind us that hope is found in the hearts of the young, and in the ways they are called to bring light, joy, and peace to others.
May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire them to walk in faith and to share Christ’s love wherever they go.
To conclude
I’m delighted to share that I have concluded the principal appraisal process, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your generous encouragement and kindness throughout this journey.
Your positive and affirming feedback about my leadership has been truly uplifting, and I am deeply grateful for the thoughtful recommendations from the panel. These will guide me in continuing to lead St James with strength, wisdom, and vision — and always with our Catholic Identity at the heart of all we do.
I remain committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and compassion; to listening deeply and making decisions with both courage and humility; to fostering innovation while protecting the traditions that give our school its unique spirit; to inspiring a shared vision that unites us; and to empowering everyone to shine in their gifts and talents for the good of our students and community.
As Scripture encourages us: “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people… because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do.” (Ephesians 6:7-8)
I am excited for the road ahead and look forward to continuing this journey with our community well into the future. It is an incredible blessing to lead such an extraordinary school — one we have built together through faith, dedication, and our shared mission.
Thank you for all you do every day for our students, families, each other, and for the unwavering support you have shown me.
With gratitude,
Nic
Term 3 Learning Conferences – Next Week
Our Term 3 Learning Conferences are coming up next week, and we look forward to parents, students, and teachers coming together to share learning, set goals, and celebrate achievement.
These conferences are a vital part of every child’s progress — they give us the chance to reflect on growth, plan the next steps, and recognise the hard work that happens both in and out of the classroom.
Thank you to our parents for prioritising this time, to our staff for their preparation and commitment, and to our students for taking ownership of their learning. This is education at its best — working together to help every child shine.
Parent Community Group Meeting & School Times Discussion
Our recent Parent Community Group Meeting was wonderfully well attended, and it was fantastic to see so many families showing interest in the future of St James. We discussed upcoming happenings at our school (see attached minutes for details) and explored one significant concept — the possibility of changing our school times (see survey results for details).
The changing school times conversation was driven by data captured from the Tell Them From me student survey, the staff Well @ Work survey and attendance data (Friday/Friday afternoon); and now we've added the parent feedback from the survey and the conversation to make an informed decision. This data and information was shared at the Parent Community Group meeting.
First, a huge thank you to the 203 recipients who completed the survey. This was an incredible response and a clear sign of the passion and engagement in our community. Your feedback gave us a rich understanding of how this topic impacts families and why it matters.
In support of the change, parents commented positively about educational innovation, the potential wellbeing benefits for students, recognition of the opportunity for families to have more quality time together, as well as the potential for students to be more engaged and refreshed for learning.
Against the change, there were strong points raised, including the challenges for working parents, the unique circumstances of our QLD/NSW border community especially during day light savings time, the additional costs and logistics of childcare, the impact on bus timetables, and the College schedules that currently allow older siblings to help with younger children.
This was, in every sense, a great community conversation — one that sparked healthy debate, shared perspectives, and strengthened our collective voice. While the change to school times will not be proceeding due to the outcome of the vote and conversation, and the complexities involved, it has been terrific to focus on educational innovation and our staff remain committed to reviewing our current timetable to ensure we uphold the academic rigour our students deserve while prioritising the wellbeing of all.
Thank you once again for your openness, passion, and willingness to engage in discussions that shape our school’s future.
Confirmation
We are filled with joy and pride as we celebrate the students who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church on Thursday, September 4th. This significant milestone marks a deepening of their faith and a commitment to living out the teachings of Christ. Through the guidance of their families, teachers, and parish community, these young people have prepared their hearts and minds to welcome the Holy Spirit more fully into their lives.
As they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray that they continue to grow in wisdom, understanding, and courage, becoming strong witnesses of God’s love in the world. Congratulations; may your Confirmation be filled with joy, love and faith.
Other information.....
Please note the following additional information.....
Parenting support and learning.....
Please note the following parenting supporting & learning items.....
Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World
A Conference for Parents and Carers of Children in Catholic Schools in the Jubilee Year of Hope. On Saturday, 25 October, the Council for Catholic School Parents (CCSP) is hosting a special anniversary celebration conference for all NSW/ACT parents and carers with children in Catholic schools! Expert presenters will support parents bravely in a modern world:
Find out more information on our website here.
Buy a ticket: Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World Registration, Sat 25/10/2025 at 8:30 am | Eventbrite
Date/Time: Sat, 25 Oct 2025 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM AEDT. Doors at 8 am
Location: Novotel Sydney, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Contribution: $30
Contact CCSP at the office on office@ccsp.catholic.edu.au
Upcoming events.....
Please note the following upcoming events......
Game Show Live!
Our Adults-Only Game Show Live event hit all the right notes! It was a fantastic night filled with fun, music, trivia, and plenty of dancing. The hall was buzzing with laughter and friendly competition as teams battled it out for bragging rights — and maybe a little glory on the dance floor too!
The turnout was brilliant, and it was clear everyone was having a record-breaking good time. From start to finish, the atmosphere was electric — you could say we were all perfectly in tune. Whether you were belting out the answers, busting a move, or just soaking up the vibe, the night proved once again that our St James community knows how to rock and roll.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night such a smash hit. Until next time… keep dancing to the beat of the St James spirit! 🎶
Game Show Live!
