Week 9, Term 3 - 2025
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
On Friday, September 12th, our students came together to recognise R U OK? Day—a day dedicated to checking in on our friends, family, and colleagues. This important day reminded us that a simple conversation can make a big difference in someone’s life.
As a Catholic community, we are reminded of St Paul’s words: “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). R U OK? Day helped our students see that even the smallest act of kindness or genuine care can be a sign of Christ’s love in the world.
It’s not always easy to spot when someone is struggling, but by asking, “Are you okay?” and listening with care, our students learnt that they can provide meaningful support to others. Whether at school, at home, or in the wider community, each of us has the power to make a difference.
In the lead-up to R U OK? Day, we also hosted a Wellbeing Services Expo on Tuesday, September 9th. This event showcased the many services available in our community to support families with wellbeing. A special thanks to our Wellbeing Team for their wonderful work in organising this event and to the parents who came along and engaged with the various providers.
As we journey through the Year of Hope, these moments call us to be people of hope for one another—listening with compassion, speaking words that uplift, and being present to those in need. Together, through R U OK? Day and the Wellbeing Services Expo, we strengthened our culture of care and compassion. By looking out for one another, we continue to build a supportive environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and filled with the hope of Christ.
Services Expo
Grandparent's Day and Book Week
We are very excited to be celebrating Grandparents’ Day and Book Week next Friday, September 26th. This is always a special occasion in our school calendar as we welcome grandparents and special visitors into our community to share in the joy of learning and celebrating together.
As part of the day, students are invited to dress up as their favourite book character—a wonderful way to bring stories to life and celebrate the magic of reading.
It promises to be an exciting and memorable day for our children, parents, grandparents, visitors, and staff alike. We look forward to seeing many of you here to enjoy the celebrations!
Sporting News
We are thrilled to celebrate our Stage 3 students for their fantastic participation in today's Sporting Gala Day. It was wonderful to see so many of our students giving their best effort, showing great sportsmanship, and representing our school with pride.
The enthusiasm and teamwork displayed by all of the participants were truly inspiring. Whether they were competing, cheering on their peers, or simply enjoying the day, our students made the event a memorable and successful one.
Congratulations to all who took part, and a special thank you to our dedicated staff and volunteers for making this day possible. Let’s continue to encourage our students to stay active and engaged in sports and other activities!
We also wish the best of luck to our students who will be participating in the Diocesan Netball and Soccer event at Grafton next Wednesday - have fun!
Sporting events
Acting Principal Arrangements – Term 4
From Monday, October 13th to Friday, October 31st (Weeks 1–3 of Term 4), Karen Sanderson and Kylie Cane will be stepping into the role of Acting Principals. During this time, I will be taking three weeks of leave to spend with my family and to enjoy a period of rest and rejuvenation.
I would like to thank everyone in advance for your support with these arrangements. I have every confidence that our school community will be in very safe and capable hands with our wonderful Assistant Principals leading during this time.
Term 3 & 4 Dates & Events
Please note the following events/dates scheduled for Term 3.
- September 26th: Grandparent's Day and Book Week Dress Up Day.
- September 26th: Final Day of Term 3.
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for Term 4.
- October 13th: Term 4 commences
- October 17th: Mission Fair
- 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: Kinder - Year 2 Camp Day
- 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).
Thumbs-Up
- Staff who organised the Services Expo and parents for attending to event.
- Staff, parents and students for their wonderful engagement in the various excursions that are occurring across the school.
- Students for their engagement and behaviour at the Stage 3 gala day.
To conclude
As Term 3 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to celebrate all the wonderful achievements and experiences we've shared. From the exciting events like our Yandihndi and sports gala days to the daily joys of learning and growing together, this term has been filled with memorable moments. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and, of course, our incredible students for making this term such a success.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for Term 4, which begins on Monday, October 13th.
As we head into the holidays, let us pause for a moment of prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the blessings of this past term.
Please watch over our school community during the holidays.
Grant us rest, joy, and safety as we spend time with our loved ones.
Guide us with Your wisdom and love, and bring us back together refreshed and ready for the new term.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable break, and we can't wait to see what the final term of the year has in store for us!
With blessings,
Nic.
Upcoming events.....
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Parenting support and learning.....
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Other information.....
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