7 September 2020

Newsletter Articles

Our Mission @ SJM

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

Principal’s Message

2020 has definitely been a challenge for school communities across Australia and the globe. In a testament to the hard work and resilience of all members of our community, we have continued to learn, laugh and have fun at St. James’.

Our vision is that ‘We at St James’, are inspired by the Gospel to be successful learners and informed, engaged, global citizens. Vital to ensuring we meet our vision is the development of a School’s Strategic Plan and a School Improvement Plan. Our Strategic Plan was written this year and is current until the end of 2022. The School Improvement Plan is written annually and refers to the detailed plan for that calendar year of the school’s cycle and will be derived from the broad directions set in the three-year strategic plan.

Some of our Goals include:

• Have a greater knowledge, understanding and use of the school’s charism
• Review the schools Pastoral Care Policy & Procedures
• Review the use of Assessment and Data with the aim to change practices to ensure growth for all students
• Building the capacity of every teacher and leader
• Strengthen link with the local community

Even though COVID has affected schools in the way we function each day, we believe it is important to keep our focus on what matters most – LEARNING, TEACHING & LEADING.

This year we have begun a journey with several schools within our diocese working with Dr Lyn Sharratt. Our intentions are simple; we want all our students to achieve at high levels. This year our focus has been on student writing.

As a school believe that we must be all on the same page. Shared beliefs and understandings are vital to ensure that consistent implementation of this approach across the school. As a school community, we have inserviced our staff on the research from Lyn that we will be using across the next few years. We do hope this will be an embedded part of the SJM teaching and learning fabric for many years to come.

We are very excited about our work so far this year and look forward to continuing this journey. Stay tuned for more details.

Year 5 Leadership Journey

At Saint James’ Primary School, Muswellbrook the development of life-long leadership skills is one of the learning opportunities offered to all students. Having effective student leaders supports the development of responsible behaviours, a positive school tone and encourages students to model the values of integrity, excellence, fairness, responsibility, democracy, co-operation, participation, respect and care.

We are excited that the Year 5 students will begin their Leadership Program in the coming weeks:

• Tuesday 15th September @ 9:15am - Student Leadership 2020 – 2021 ZOOM Meeting
  - This is an open invite for parents to find out the Student Leadership Procedures.
  - The Year 5 students will watch this ZOOM in their classrooms.
• Tuesday 22nd September @ 9:15am – Student Leadership Workshop
  - The Year 5 students will take part in several prayers, leadership activities, games and reflections as part of this day.

If you are interested in watching the ZOOM presentation, please send me an email requesting a ZOOM invite.

We are so excited to begin this leadership journey with our Year 5 students.

A Reminder Re: Student Sickness and COVID Testing

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their concern and understanding regarding the changes around schools and COVID testing.

A reminder that COVID like symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

As you are aware, any children or teachers that have these symptoms are encouraged to stay at home and get a COVID test. If your child displays these symptoms at school, you will be called to collect them.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all in our communities, the Diocese have implemented that any staff or student showing signs of COVID like symptoms will need to wear a mask until they are collected by parents from the school. The school has a small number of disposable masks for this purpose.

Even I was feeling unwell last Sunday, so I popped into the car and got a COVID test at Cessnock Hospital. This test came back negative. As a nation, as a state, as a region and as a school community we need to follow the guidelines in place for the benefit of ALL. We need to act in the interests of the whole not the individual. I know that you know this already.

Thank you for your continued support of SJM.

Thanks Mrs Ballard

I would like to thank Mrs Ballard for stepping into her Kindergarten shoes and teaching KM for the last fortnight. I would like to let the community know that Mrs Norton will be on leave for the remainder of Term 3. Mrs Ballard will continue wearing her Kindergarten shoes for the remainder of the term.

KM parents, for any enquiries please speak to me or email Mrs Ballard – mary.ballard@mn.catholic.edu.au

Happy Father’s Day

I would like to wish all our fathers and grandfathers a Happy Father’s Day for yesterday. It certainly was a lovely day to celebrate. Thank you for the positive influences you make on the lives of those around you.

I had a lovely day surrounded by friends, but it was tough being the first Father’s Day without the ‘Old Man.’ He is missed dearly that’s for sure.

Quote

Religion

Happy Father’s Day to all the SJM fathers in our community, whether you are an uncle, cousin, grandfather or father the role you play in a child’s life is significant and thank you for being there for that child, big or small.

Last week I asked my students in Stage 3 what they would give up to follow Jesus. Just as James left everything behind to follow Jesus, what can we do in our present community to follow the example that Jesus has shown us. The responses were mixed. I discussed the issues of Catholic Social Teaching with them. These teaching are placed in all spheres of life- the economical, political, personal and spiritual. One Catholic Social Teaching is Preferential Option for the Poor. Caring for the poor is everyone’s responsibility. Lots of people in our world go without. They don’t have enough food, clean water, medicine and they don’t get to go to school. God made our world and God wants everyone to share the things we need.

SJM Mini Vinnies group have used the phrase “Think globally, act locally” when addressing issues within our world and closer to home, our local community. All money raised this term will be given to our local community. Our Winter Appeal has been given to our local St Vincent de Paul Centre to assist the vital work that happens quietly in our community. Thank you to all in our SJM Community who donated a towel, pair of socks or a blanket.

I would like to share a music video with you which highlights not only in its lyrics but the message seen in its clips, the small steps different people have made in our world to help others and the flow on affect that it can have to others.

Nickelback clip If Everyone Cared

More information can be found about Catholic Social Teaching on the Caritas website.

May your lamp burn stronger and brighter in 2020.

Mrs Jane Jacobs
Religious Education Coordinator

Assistant Principal

SOCIAL DISTANCING DURING COVID19

Just a reminder to everyone that the adults in our school community need to remember to practice the social distancing requirements to keep everyone safe. I know we all get a little excited when we get to catch up with other adults, especially in a time when we are all feeling a little isolated, but when we do meet with other people, we need to remember to stay at least 1.5m away from each other. This includes outside our school gates when you are waiting for your child who will meet you on the bikes and walkers lines. We are getting a bigger crowd outside our front gate each afternoon, and that space is tight … but for everyone’s health and safety, please keep your distance.

GOOD HAND HYGIENE

We are also focussing on good hand washing here at school. We include the poster that is displayed at each of our hand washing sinks. It would be appreciated if you could discuss the importance of good hand hygiene with your family.

BIKES AND WALKERS

With the increased number of families using the bikes and walkers line, we have increased the number of teachers on that duty so that we can keep an eye on the students and who they are walking or riding with. These teachers have noticed an increased number of younger students walking away from the school grounds by themselves. We ask that all infants’ students are walking or riding with either an older sibling or adult. These younger students are not to be walking or riding by themselves to meet you up the path or around the corner. We ask that you meet your child at the bikes and walkers gate and escort them up the path. We will keep them safe with us at the gate until you can make your way to us. We ask this to keep all members of our community safe.

OFFICE OF THE eSAFETY COMMISSIONER

This week, I would like to point you in the direction of free webinars that are available from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

The first webinar on offer is eSAFETY PARENT GUIDE TO POPULAR APPS. During the free 1 hour session, you will look at:

• Popular apps used by young people
• Case studies, research, and targeted advice
• Where to find help and support.

To find out more about this free webinar, please visit the link below.

They also provide the following resources for you to download:

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner also has a site for kids, with information worded in a way that kids will understand.

Please visit the link below for information on:

• I want help with ….
  - Someone is being mean to me online
  - how to get the most out of gamingI saw something online I didn’t like
  How do I know if something is fak
  e?
  Things to watch out for with online friends
  nt to
  security and privacy for my device
  sharing photos and my personal information online

ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL

Thank you to everyone who has been following the guidelines to ‘stay away if you’re unwell’. It is important that you listen to your child if they tell you that they are feeling unwell. If you decide to keep your child at home, you need to explain your child’s absence to the school. This can be done via the school’s Compass app, a note to the teacher, or a phone call to the school office. Please explain the absence as soon as you can so that we can keep our records up to date. This is a legal requirement, and we must follow up any unexplained absences.

Please note – when using the Compass parent portal to explain an absence, please do not add an absence note if you are collecting your child early from school. You will be signing your child out at the front office, so there is no need to add an attendance note on the app as well. The Compass parent portal should only be used to explain whole day absences. Finally, please do not use the option for “Natural disaster” when explaining your child’s absence. The natural disaster reason can only be used for fires, floods and the like. Sleeping in or missing the bus is not a natural disaster!

It is a condition of enrolment that you send your child to school every day. A small number of absences may be justified. If your child has a record of continued poor attendance, we will contact you to check on your child’s wellbeing, and we may even send home a note asking that we work together to ensure attendance at school improves. The Catholic Schools Office will get involved if your child’s attendance record doesn’t improve.

We are here to help, so please contact the school if you are having difficulties getting your child to attend school every day.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Thank you to all of the parents and carers in our community who have ensured the students in our school look impressive and proud to be part of our school. Unfortunately, we have noticed some students are starting to look a little sloppy in their uniform. We can see coloured jumpers being worn, as well as the incorrect hat. Please take this opportunity to check all items of the uniform and ensure they comply with our uniform policy. We all enrolled our students here knowing that uniform policy, so let’s maintain our high expectations across all classes. Of course, you may find the odd occasion where you’ve lost a tie, can’t find a hat, or that school shoe or jumper just can’t be found before school. We understand that this happens. Please just write us a quick note to let us know, and do your best to find or replace that item as soon as you can. We appreciate your help with this as we work together this term.

Shannon Hall
Assistant Principal

Primary Coordinator

Lead Teacher: Positive Education

Class Math and Spelling Bee

This year, our Math and Spelling Bees will look and run a little differently due to the current COVID restrictions in schools. We are still running the competitions, however, only in our classes. There will be a winner and runner up for each class across the school. There will be no Stage, Regional or Diocesan competitions taking place this year.

Last week, all classes held their Class Math Bee. Congratulations to all students across the school. It was so wonderful to hear about the positive participation and encouragement that was given from peer to peer.

A further congratulations goes to the winner and runner up from each class:

Class Spelling Bees will be held throughout Week 9.

R U OK? Day

R U OK? Day is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day is the day to ask “Are you ok?”, and support those struggling in life.

Watch this video to find out more…

It’s shocking to know that according to Kids Matter, it is estimated that 1 in 7 school-age children have a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression and behaviour problems. However, only 1 in 4 gets the help they need. Nearly half of all mental health problems begin before the age of 14.

Upper Hunter Wellbeing Survey

**Parent / Carer Survey**

Your wellbeing is an important part of life and we want to better understand what makes a difference to you. Upper Hunter Where there’s a Will has partnered with The University of Melbourne to measure your wellbeing using a survey. The aim of this community wellbeing project is to measure and understand your well-being, so that the collective perspectives and experiences of the local community can be used to design, develop and/or refine wellbeing initiatives in your local municipality. This survey will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete and there are no right or wrong answers. All information is confidential, and the school does not see or receive any individual responses.

Please click on this link to our survey: Upper Hunter Wellbeing Survey for Parents and Carers

This survey has been extended in the attempt to capture more responses. It will now close on Friday 18 September. I really appreciate your involvement.

Pos. Ed Book Club:

I have two books to share this week.

Struggling to find the time to read? My top tip is to download Audible – it has been a game changer for me! Listen to a book while driving, going for a walk, cleaning the house, or waiting for the kids to finish sport. You’re welcome!

Rising Strong by Brené Brown

Perhaps you’ve suffered some major setbacks. You lost your job, maybe, or found out some tragic family news. Or maybe you’ve steered clear of the big shocks, instead enduring a lot of minor irritants, like having your bike stolen or going mind-blank in the middle of a presentation.

Even if you’re not having hard times, you probably know the feeling of stumbling because of some unforeseeable obstacle or some mistake you made. Some people call it “falling,” others call it “failing,” but either way it’s essential to human experience. In fact, in this book summary you’ll find out why being brave always entails the risk of failing. But rather than just shying away from anything that demands courage, you’ll discover that you can actually learn to rise strong.

Throughout this book, you will learn:

• How permission slips can help you recognize your feelings;
• How to foster awareness with a “first draft”; and
• What expectations or dreams you might need to abandon.

Key ideas and takeaways:

Rising strong starts with accepting risk and being willing to fail.

Asking for help is a sign of bravery, not weakness – and it’s vital to rising strong.

Rumbling with expectations can help us avoid disappointment and begin forgiving.

The Prince Boofhead Syndrome by Michael Carr- Gregg

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg believes that too many Australian boys have got it too easy, and the result is a generation of ‘boofheads’. In his book, The Prince Boofhead Syndrome, Michael Carr-Gregg and associate Elly Robinson deliver straightforward advice so that the parents of boys today can take back control. In the passage below, they encourage parents to reclaim a tiny word with enormous power.

Each time we say ‘no’, we are giving our children the opportunity to develop emotional intelligence – the ability to handle their feelings of disappointment, anger and frustration when things don’t go their way. Being able to get over their disappointment allows them to think of more creative solutions to problems – which encourages resilience.

Moreover, by modelling how to say ‘no’, we show our children how to do this too, which is crucial for their moral development. It means they can say, ‘No, I don’t want to’ when someone is asking them to do something they feel is wrong. We all want to raise responsible, considerate, cooperative children who do the right thing, but that does not imply blind obedience. Morality is doing what’s right, no matter what you’re told; obedience is doing what you’re told, no matter what’s right.

As a parent, your goal is to do yourself out of a job – to raise a human being who respects himself and others, and who is capable of taking care of himself. Your goal is not to be your child’s best friend or to be popular. Sometimes this means saying no and riding out the response. And while it’ll be a hell of a lot harder to say no to Prince Boofhead now he is a young adult, there will be times when it will still be appropriate. You may just have to weather a Category 5 cyclone rather than a storm.

To check out more fantastic books/ resources from Michael Carr-Greg, please see the link below:

https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/michael-carr-gregg

Strengths Spotlight #7: Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence

(from the Institute of Positive Education)

• Awe, wonder, elevation.
• Experiencing a sense of wonder when you see beauty and excellence in the world.

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence is a strength which is closely related to other strengths of Transcendence, including Spirituality and Gratitude.

These strengths are about connecting with the larger universe. What does a focus on Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence look like in your world today? Can you ask the other members of your household to look out for and share examples of awe and wonder?

Some suggested Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence activities

• Recognise awe and wonder in young people – how can you help to prioritise these activities?
• Complete a scavenger hunt in nature. Older kids could get involved in creating it for younger ones.
• With teenagers, ask them to identify where they feel awe and wonder. Focus especially on the things they can do to bring this to life, rather than passively observing excellence in others.
• Create a photo board of images which spark wonder for you.
• Put together a ‘pump it’ playlist of songs that get you dancing every time you hear them.
• Get in nature! Go for a walk, check out a view, explore somewhere new. Spend time journaling, sketching, or just being still and observing.
• Be intentional about finding and using your awe – create opportunities by setting a reminder in your phone to stop and notice the world around you.

Quote of the Week:

“If you are facing in the right direction, all you have to do is keep walking” Buddhist Teaching

Stay safe, calm and kind,

Miss Eloise Hand
Primary Coordinator & Lead Teacher of Positive Education

Class Awards

Class News

ES1

It’s Public Speaking season at St James’! The whole school is abuzz with talk of eye contact, content that makes sense, entertaining the audience, use of expression, and gestures. Even in Kindergarten the children have to present prepared and impromptu speeches which can be a little terrifying but also very rewarding. Last week the children presented their first prepared speech on the topic ‘My Family’. Many children injected humour into their speeches and some even managed to change the tone of their voice when they were presenting! It is always very special to watch the growth in all of the children during this time of year.

Mrs Donna Smith and Mrs Marina Norton

Stage 1

In maths, year 1 and year 2 have been learning about fractions. We have had many hands-on, engaging lessons learning about halves, quarters and eighths. Year 2M have been playing fraction bingo and fraction bee. We have all been applying our mathematical knowledge to various questions in the Maths Bee. Well done to all year 1 and year 2 students for participating and trying their best.

All classes have also been preparing and presenting speeches. This can be a scary process for some students. I’d like to congratulate all students for standing up in front of their peers and speaking. We have had some very interesting speeches about love and animals. Well done everyone.

Have a great week. Be kind to yourself and to others,

Miss Eloise Hand, Miss Emma Beletich, Miss Elissa Pryke and Miss Jane Boyle

Stage 2

In English we have been practicing for the spelling Bee, finals will be held this week. We have also been creating a book as we read Li Lun Lad of courage students identify two very important points and illustrate these in their own book.

Stage 2 are exploring 3D shapes, we will be finding 3D shapes in the environment, creating nets and identifying the properties. We have also been practicing for the Maths Bee.

We are continuing to investigate China and Australia in Science and Geography. Students are looking at the landmarks of each country and comparing these.

We will begin preparing speeches over the next few weeks. We will be demonstrating the character strength of Bravery to be able to stand in front of our classmates and learning to be a respectful audience.

Mrs Trishelle Threadgate, Mrs Jane Dengate and Mrs Donna-Maree Watt

Stage 3

In English Stage 3 have been practising their debating and public speaking skills in preparation for our upcoming class competition finals. Students have shown creativity and strong persuasive language skills to convince their audience with strong conviction.

Students have also continued their focus on the author Paul Jennings and his short stories. We have been analysing his story ‘Spaghetti Pig-Out’ and the ‘Round the Twist’ version of this story. Students were able to recognise additional characters being added, different character names setting differences and how the scene is set for the complication to develop. Stage 3 could clearly explain reasoning behind each of the changes.

In Mathematics students are exploring perimeter and area of different shapes and spaces. Students are able to find unknown lengths and areas using their problem-solving skills.

Mrs Jane Jacobs, Mrs Rebecca Harrod, Mrs Clare Collett and Miss Lauren Osborne

Library News

Book Fair

A massive thank you to all who supported our annual book fair. At this stage, the total sales stands at $5269, which allows the school to purchase $1600 worth of new resources for the students. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and it is wonderful to see so many new books in students’ hands.

Book Character Parade

Book Week celebrations will be held from the 19th – 23rd October. There will be a book character parade held during this week, where students may come dressed as any book character they wish. Further details will be provided in the next newsletter.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Congratulations to Harrison Musca, Lily Musca and Aru Mukherjee who successfully completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2020. It is wonderful to witness your love of reading!

Please feel free to contact the library if any problems/concerns arise during the year.

lisa.wilson@mn.catholic.edu.au or 65433094

Happy Reading!

Lisa Wilson
Teacher Librarian

Nadene Douglas
Library Assistant

Message from Osborn’s Transport

There has been another near miss with a child being dropped off by their parent on the wrong side of the road and then running across the road in front of a car. Luckily, this child was not hit, however obviously parents are not taking this seriously enough.

We wish to remind students and parents we recommend parents (of younger students especially) to meet the student at the bus stop so that they do not have to cross the road on their own. As a reminder to all students after disembarking please wait for the bus to leave so that they have a clear site and can ensure it is safe to cross the road.

We have also had our drivers raise safety concerns about children disembarking the bus and running between buses at interchanges such as the Muswellbrook Railway station. The children are wanting to get to their parents or carers who are either waiting in their car across the road or on the adjacent footpath. At times children are being encouraged by their parent or carer and being waved through all the traffic.

At the time or drop off and pick up there are many buses and cars and large numbers of students who all add to the congestion and safety concerns.

We appreciate your help in this matter to ensure the safety of all students.

Thanks

Osborn’s

St. James’ P & F Association

P&F Committee Contacts