24 May 2021

Newsletter Articles

Our Mission @ SJM

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

Quote

All loving God,
We give You our school.
We give You all the teachers and staff who work here.
We give You all the children who study here.
We pray our school would be place of discovery, adventure and creativity.
May it be a place where we love to learn and where we learn to love.
A place where everyone is respected, and all are deeply valued
We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Principal’s Message

This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week at SJM. Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic Education. This year’s theme is ‘Faith in our Future.’ We believe we have a great future to be proud of at SJM. Alongside our parents and carers, we are raising students to be effective global citizens. I am so proud of all our students and believe our future is in safe hands.

This year we also celebrate 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. The first Catholic School was established in NSW in 1820. Since then, countless children have benefitted from a quality education. If it wasn’t for the commitment and dedication faith-filled staff, back then and now, our students would not see the fruits of a Catholic School.

Thank you to those religious and lay educators that have served within a Catholic school over the last 200 years, and I look forward to a bright future for Catholic schools, especially St. James’ Primary School, Muswellbrook.

What’s Happening @ SJM – Friday 28th May

We are looking forward to welcoming you into the school on Friday 28th May. The program for the day is as follows:

9:30am – Catholic Schools Week Liturgy in the School Hall
10:10am – Open Classrooms
11:00am – BYO Picnic Lunch

Please book on the Humanitix website on the link below:

Although COVID-19 rules eased, we do ask you to use your common sense with Open Classrooms.

• If there are too many people in the room, we ask you not to enter the room until such a time as people have left the room.
• We ask that if more than one adult is coming along for the day, that only 1 enters the room at a time to reduce the numbers within the room.

Thanks in advance, for your support. We can’t wait to see you on Friday.

Resignation of Mrs Norton

It with great sadness that I announce to the SJM community the resignation of Mr Marina Norton from her teaching position. Marina and her husband, Scott, are relocating to Tasmania in the very near future. Marina has been an exceptional classroom teacher at SJM across a number of years. I would like to publicly thank Marina for the commitment and dedication she has shown to our community – the students, the parents and her colleagues. On behalf of you all, I wish Marina all the best for their move and future life in Tasmania.

As you may be aware, Mrs Jane Harris, is teaching the class for the remainder of the term.

Mrs Norton’s position has been advertised. I will keep you in the loop with any developments.

Morning Supervision

Please be advised that morning supervision begins at 8:30am. We understand that some students get dropped off a little bit early and this is fine. All students that arrive before 8:30 are required to sit down in the courtyard. This is our expectation.

However, of late, it has been noted that many students have been arriving at school well before 8am. This is way too early to be dropped off at school. Please consider your child’s safety at possibly being left alone at school. We cannot guarantee that teaching staff will be at school.

Uniforms

As we move into the cooler months it is expected that all students wear the correct winter and sports uniform each day.

It has come to our attention that several students are not wearing the correct uniform each day. I will be sending notes to parents next week if their child/ren are out of uniform.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the school, as we may be able to help.

A reminder that the Uniform Shop is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am – 10am.

Religion

This week our St. James’ community with be celebrating Catholic Schools Week. Catholic Schools Week marks two hundred years of the first official Catholic school opening in Australia.

Taken from ‘A Pastoral Letter from the bishops of Australia to the leaders, staff, students and families of Catholic education in Australia, 2021.’

Since then, Catholic education has grown to the point that it now educates around 770,000 primary and secondary school students, in more than 1,750 schools, with nearly 100,000 staff. These are sponsored by dioceses and parishes, religious institutes and public juridic persons, and groups of parents. Six thousand Catholic catechists participate in the religious education of 200,000 children in government schools and parishes. Over the past few years, hundreds of Church sponsored early learning centres have been established, educating many thousands of pre-schoolers. Around 500,00 tertiary students are now enrolled in our two Catholic universities with their several campuses. It is an extraordinary achievement!

Catholic schools are a jewel in the crown of the Catholic Church in Australia, with few parallels in other countries. Alongside families and parishes, they are the Church’s principal meeting point with young people. They are integral to the Church’s mission of transmitting the faith to the next generation. It is there that many young people encounter Christ, intensify their knowledge and love of God, and are formed as future contributors to Australian society. We hope all our students will emerge from our schools with a deepened sense of the sacred and greater appreciation of the true, the good and the beautiful. Catholic education is steadfast in its commitment to evangelisation, catechesis, religious education and spiritual and moral formation.

Catholic schools are also a major part of Australia’s educational ecosystem. They are the equal of other schools regarding educational programs, student achievement, teacher professionalism, facilities and innovation. They have provided high quality education to generations of young Australians, now numbering in their millions. They stand as a beacon in our society, for their contribution to the common good and to the nation’s social capital. They have helped nurture a more just, tolerant and cohesive society. Catholic education is determined in its commitment to excellence and equity.

The extraordinary success of Catholic education did not occur by chance: it is fruit of the sacrifice of past generations and divine grace. We are heirs to that rich legacy, borne out of sincere belief, inspiring vision and unwavering resolve. The bicentenary of Catholic education in Australia invites us to remember the past with gratitude, be inspired by that story in the present, and look forward with faith in the future.

We look forward to seeing our school community at our St. James’ Liturgy at 9.30am on Friday 21 May in the school hall.

Sacramental Program 2021

The students are started preparations for the Sacramental Program. Please keep these students and their family in your prayers over the next ten weeks as they continue their faith journey.

Mini Vinnies

SJM Mini Vinnies students have arranged a Lego Masters competition at St. James’. We hope to have lots of interested lego pieces. Keep an eye out for our winners on Facebook with their amazing creations.

Mrs Jane Jacobs
Religious Education Coordinator

Office of Safeguarding

Members of Catholic school communities in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle agree to nurture and support each other’s individual growth in faith, to create communities of respect and tolerance and to engage in the promotion of peace, justice and service to others.

The School Community Code of Conduct reinforces our understanding of the rights and responsibilities each of has in ensuring we provide an environment where our students can thrive.

Assistant Principal

NAPLAN

Last week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students participated in their NAPLAN assessments. Congratulations to all students … for the perseverance, resilience and determination they displayed throughout the last two weeks. Well done!

I thought I would share a couple of questions from the public demonstration site. This site is available throughout the year, and questions for Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 are available for you to view. I would encourage all parents to visit the site and have a look at the questions your child will be answering when it is their turn to participate in these assessments.

This is a question from the Year 3 Numeracy test (demonstration site).

This is a question from the Year 5 Numeracy test (demonstration site).

This is a question from the Year 3 Reading Test (demonstration site).

This is a question from the Year 5 Reading test (demonstration site).

Pupil Free Day

We are currently in the process of finalising the content for our Pupil Free Day to be held on Monday 31 May. The focus for the staff on the day will be our work towards our clarity for what we should be focussing on in our school to ensure improved outcomes for all students. We ask that you organise alternative care for your children on that day, as all staff will be engaging with the content on the day and will be unavailable for supervision.

Winter hygiene

As we come into the colder weather, I thought it might be time to remind everyone of important winter hygiene practices, including nose picking and disposing of tissues into the bin. It would be great if you could work with us, by having a chat with your children about the importance of hygiene and the potential spread of germs if we don’t keep our hands clean. We are encouraging lots of hand washing or use of hand sanitiser here at school, so please build this into your conversation and remind your child that this is an important part of the process to keep everyone well.

Illness and absences

Just a reminder that we ask you to keep your child at home if they are unwell. We have lots of students coming to school with coughs and colds, as well as complaints of tummy aches and headaches. If you know your child is unwell, please do not send them to school. We ask that you keep your child at home until they are well enough to return to school. Our COVID safe practices still require you to have a COVID test done if your child is displaying those COVID type symptoms, and provide us with a copy of the negative result before returning to school. If your child has a tummy bug, we ask that you keep your child at home at least 24 hours after the symptoms have ceased. If your child is absent due to illness, we ask you to add the attendance note via Compass, or call or email the school to let us know so that we can add the attendance note for you.

Lunch orders

Just a reminder that we ask for all lunch orders to be sent to school each Thursday, ready for the canteen helpers to start preparing as soon as they get here on Friday morning. Your help with this means we can make sure all lunch orders are prepared on time … that first two hours in the day goes really quickly when you are preparing food for 280 students! If you forget to send it in on Thursday, we do accept them on Friday morning … please send them straight to the canteen. If your child is away on the Friday and you have already put in a lunch order … just give the school a call before 9am and we will pull the lunch order out before the food is cooked. Finally, we have included the canteen menu for 2021 … just in case you need another copy for your fridge.

Shannon Hall
Assistant Principal

Primary Coordinator

GROW YOUR MIND

This term, our focus during our fortnightly Positive Education lessons is Emotional Regulation. This falls under the E (emotions) pathway of the Visible Wellbeing SEARCH Framework.

Understanding our emotions and mood changes, and the way they can make us feel both physically and mentally, is super important. It is important to acknowledge that there are no ‘bad’ emotions, but there can be actions that are taken when feeling certain emotions, that can have a negative consequence i.e. hitting someone when we are angry.

Which colour octopus is your current mood under?

One of the ways we teach primary school kids to look after their mental health is to increase their emotional literacy. Our aim is not to change or control someone's feelings but to encourage kids to become agile with them. This image is part of our extension activities with year 5 and 6 students.

So what is it today? Glum? Inspired? Calm? Livid?!

Feel all the feels just know what to do when you get stuck in one that isn't serving you any longer.

Meaningful May

This month's theme is all about reflecting on what gives our life meaning. Being a part of something bigger than ourselves and focusing on things that we value is key to our wellbeing. So let's take time to reflect on what we care about this month and keep these things at the front of our minds as our societies begin to open up again.

Good for Kids, Good for Life

Pos Ed Book Club

This fortnights Pos Ed Book Club focus book is one that has been on my list for a few years, and have finally just got around to reading. It quick read, but so powerful!

Man's Search for Meaning

by  Viktor E. Frankl

Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's memoir has riveted generations of readers with its descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. Based on his own experience and the stories of his patients, Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. At the heart of his theory, known as logotherapy, is a conviction that the primary human drive is not pleasure but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Thought of the week:

Choose kindness, always.

Miss Eloise Hand
Primary Coordinator & Lead Teacher of Positive Education

Awards

Class News

ES1

On Wednesday 12 May Mrs Smith and Mrs Jacobs were able to meet with other Kindergarten teachers in the Catholic School diocese to discuss the successes and challenges of Successful Foundations. Successful Foundations have allowed students in Kinder to transition to school in a calm and supportive manner. Provocations are important and engage students in play. Mrs Smith and Mrs Jacobs listened to the great success that all schools in the project have had. Each school presented many different provocations.

The five provocations within Successful Foundations are:

1. Dramatic play which involves children in imaginative social play with familiar resources and supports self-identity and emerging social relationships and group membership.
2. Blocks and boxes which supports children to participate in creative constructive play, making, building and using individual and collaborative problem solving and fine motor skills.
3. Maps in my world which enables children to explore their local environment and to represent their understandings through drawing, writing and symbolic representation.
4. Sharing stories which engages children in speaking, listening, responding to, composing and presenting stories using a range of materials.
5. Being outdoors which provides children with time to be a friend to others and all living creatures, and to experience awe and wonder through open-ended physical and sensory engagement outdoors.

As Kinder teachers of St. James’ we shared the success of ‘Loose Parts’. Tyres were introduced to the Kindergarten students and after a lot of rolling along the hall veranda students began to think creatively.

Students were given extra loose parts – pine cones, masking tape, sticks, rocks and cardboard and with these simple loose parts students were able to create a motorbike. A miniature version of the students motorbike is in the foyer of the office if you would like to have a look.

We have had two weeks in our new classrooms and students and teachers are becoming familiar with the new space. Provocations will remain a part of teaching to stimulate a response from students. These provocations will be based in the Key Learning Areas and students are trusted to develop their thinking, skills and understandings.

KG and KM have started homework. It has been wonderful to see the excitement on students’ faces when they describe reading with their parent. Thank you to those parents who have provided reflection on their child’s knowledge of sounds and letters and the proud moment when their child has sounded out a word and read a sentence. Keep up the great work at home.

Mrs Donna Smith and Mrs Jane Jacobs

Stage 1

It has been a busy couple of weeks at St James’ with the excitement of Stage 1 moving back into their classrooms, the students and teachers LOVE their new rooms. Stage 1 participated in a shoe tying workshop on Monday 17th May, they all found this fun and we hope they continue to practise at home with the special shoe case each child was given. All classes will be involved in the athletics carnivals over the next two weeks, we encourage all students to be involved and have fun.

Miss Emma Beletich, Mrs Mary Ballard, Mrs Trishelle Threadgate and Miss Jane Boyle

Stage 2

Stage 2 students have had the exciting addition to their classrooms that you have no doubt heard about. We have new interactive televisions in each of our rooms and the students are eagerly awaiting their teachers to catch up with their technical knowledge so we can see the full potential of these fantastic teaching tools. We are very grateful and excited.

In other news, Stage 2 have welcomed Ms Jane Harris onto 3G and wished Mrs Norton well whilst she has leave for the rest of the term. Ms Harris is excited to be working with the children across Stage 2 to continue their Creative Arts lessons. Mrs Watt continues to teach History and the students are enjoying learning about many festivals that are celebrated such and events that are commemorated around the world as well as in Australia. In Library lessons, Mrs Wilson is focusing on Australia Day and the Chinese New Year. Whilst Mrs Dengate’s Science lessons continue to intrigue and inspire all of the students across the stage.

A gentle reminder that Library borrowing is on Thursdays. We realise how busy households are, however we encourage you to help your child to remember to return their loaned books and borrow new ones regularly. And don’t forget to fill in those reading diaries and send them in. We are all waiting to give out more raffle tickets for every 25 nights that your child has read or been read to.

Have a great fortnight.

Mrs Marina Norton, Mrs Jane Dengate and Mrs Donna-Maree Watt

Stage 3

Stage 3 have been working diligently with students in year 5 completing NAPLAN assessments for the past 2 weeks. Students have been focused and prepared giving every assessment their best effort!

In English stage 3 have been learning about the different types of poetry. Students have been writing a range of different poems focused around their interests and known topics. It has been wonderful to hear the creative ideas and see their enthusiastic approach. Using these skills students have carefully crafted NAIDOC poems focused on ‘Back in the Dreamtime’.

In Science students have been investigating states of matter and how to classify various items into the categories of solids, liquids and gases. Students have looked carefully at the properties and defining factors of these objects. We can’t wait to see students further develop their investigative skills.

Mrs Lisa Wilson, Mrs Tania Thompson, Mr Aldo Rufo, Mrs Clare Collett and Miss Lauren Osborne

Learning Support

Last week Kindergarten teachers completed the Australian Early Development Census, providing information about students in their first year of formal schooling.

For the AEDC, your child’s data will be combined with data from the other children living within the same community. AEDC results for individual children are not reported and the AEDC is not used as an individual diagnostic tool. This means that an individual child report is not produced.

Children’s names and other identifying information are recorded by the teacher but data is de-identified before being made public or made available to researchers. Teachers use a secure data collection system allowing for the safe collection of data.

Participation in the AEDC is voluntary, and parents/carers were sent a note earlier this term asking them to notify the school if they wish to opt out of the census.

After participating in training, teachers assess each child in their class and answer around 100 questions across five important areas of early childhood development. Teachers will complete the Australian version of the Early Development Instrument for each child in their class.

The AEDC measures five key areas of early childhood development:

• Physical health and wellbeing
• Social competence
• Emotional maturity
• Language and cognitive skills (school-based)
• Communication skills and general knowledge.

AEDC data is used for policy and planning, data analysis and statistical and research purposes. Results are reported at the national, state and territory, community, and local community level to help create a snapshot of early childhood development in Australia.

You can read more about how AEDC data is published and how it has helped communities on the AEDC website:

Renee Gavin

Library

Mobile Phone Reminder for Borrowing Days

If possible, could you please put a reminder on your mobile phone, to remind your children to return their library books, on their borrowing days? We have a number of overdue books that other students are waiting to borrow. Thanks for your assistance with this matter.

Tuesday – Kinder
Thursday – Years 1 and 6

New Resources

Please see new resources attached.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Students, who are participating in the Premier’s Reading Challenge, have received their recording sheet. The books are available during borrowing times. They must read 20 books before August 13. Students must read 15 books from the PRC list and 5 of their own choice. If possible, they need to visit the PRC website to locate the ID number for each book.. If not, they can visit the school library for assistance. The title and author, must be listed on the record sheet, and be dated and signed by the parent.

Rules for books in a series: In an approved series on the PRC booklist, you can read any three books as PRC books. You can read up to five other books from the same series as Personal Choice books. (PRC website)

The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. (PRC website)

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

Sport

Athletics

The Infants Athletics Carnival will be held on Wednesday 26th May and the Primary Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday 3rd June. Children will be participating in skill development lessons prior to the carnival to assist them with their performance. All students who are turning 8 years old or older in 2021 will be given the opportunity to nominate for the following events. 200m, 800m and 1500m. All children 5 years to 7 years will run 70m on their carnival day. All students 8 years or older in 2021 will run 100m on their carnival day. Shot Put and Long Jump trials will be completed in sport time and the finalists will participate in these events on the Primary Athletics Carnival day. Any parents who able to assist with the running of either carnival please email jane.dengate@mn.catholic.edu.au. We will require a starter, timekeepers and judges for both carnivals and assistants at the Long Jump and Shot Put for the primary carnival.

St. James’ P & F Association

Next P&F Meeting

The next P&F Meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 May, starting at 6pm in the staff room. All are welcome. We would love to see you there.

Pie Drive

Just a reminder that all pie drive orders should now be handed in. Your items can be picked up from the school hall on Friday 4th June, between 2pm and 4pm. If you have any questions, please contact Therese Bristow (0412 683 458) or Lynnie Large (0411 583 112).

Mother’s Day Stall

Thank you to everyone who supported our Mother’s Day stall. It was great to see the smiles on the kids faces when they picked the perfect gift for their mum. We hope you enjoyed your present.

P&F Committee Contacts