25 October 2021

Newsletter Articles

Our Mission @ SJM

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

Quote

Lord, open the eyes of our hearts. Give us eyes that can see your wonder and ears that can hear your truth and your voioce. Amen.

Principal’s Message

So, in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12:5

It has been so wonderful to welcome all our community back to SJM. Our strength is our community and that has been evident in our home schooling whilst in lockdown.

However, nothing is the same as having our community back face to face. Monday Week 2 was a joyous day as we watched all the students come back to school. The conversations had; the smiles shared have been wonderful to witness. It is so true that students do learn, laugh and have fun at SJM.

We hope that very soon we will be able to welcome all our parents back into the school too.

Refocus @ SJM

We are very aware of the complexities of returning to school, meeting the needs of the whole child – academically, spiritually, emotionally, physically. We are also aware that we need to take the next few weeks to tread gently. I think it is very important that we all tread gently for the time being. Let’s get used to and enjoy normality coming back for all of us.

We are conscious of the need for us to ‘refocus’ at SJM. This has already begun. However, you will see this in the bigger picture in 2022. We are still on our ‘Leading Learning Collaborative’ journey and, after a hiatus in Semester 2 2021, will be back in full vigour next year.

Collaborative learning is an approach of using groups to enhance learning through working together. Groups of two or more staff work together to solve problems, complete tasks, or learn new concepts. At SJM we are a professional learning community with four professional learning teams – Early Stage 1, Stage 1, Stage 2 & Stage 3.

As a school we are fully aware that the whole staff share accountability and responsibility and that we all own the faces…. and the data that goes with those faces.

We have been and will be tireless to ensure that we continue to support our students to aim high and achieve high. We know this won’t always be the case, but it is important to always aim high.

We are committed to your students and 2022 – the year of refocus – will further highlight this ...stay tuned or as they say, watch this space!

Kurtis Joseph – Groundsperson

It is with sadness that I inform you that Kurtis Joseph, has tendered his resignation at SJM. He will finish up on 5th November.

Kurtis has been with us in his role for two years. In that time, he has forged excellent relationships with students and staff alike and has had the grounds looking the best they have been.

We wish Kurtis all the best in his new position.

Welcome Annerley Fitzsimmons

I would like to announce to the SJM community that after a merit selection process, Miss Annerley Fitzsimmons has been appointed as a permanent teacher @ SJM in 2022. Annerley will replace Mrs Marina Norton.

Annerley will be undertaking several casual days across the remainder of this term. I am sure all the students will welcome her during this time, and you will welcome her face-to-face next year.

Welcome Annerley.

Uniform Shop Co-ordinator Role

We are currently advertising for a Uniform Shop Coordinator. This position is for 3 hours per week.

If you are interested, please look on the Catholic Schools Office website –

The position closes on 1st November.

Canteen

Two messages regarding the canteen:

1. I would like to apologise as I was not specific around ice blocks and ice creams last week. As we must remain in stage cohorts at lunch, we are unable to allow students to come up to the canteen to buy an ice cream. I am sorry I did not mention this earlier. If your child would like to buy an ice cream or ice block, please order that as part of their lunch order.... that is please write it on their lunch bag.
2. We are currently looking for a canteen coordinator for 2022. This is a voluntary position. The canteen coordinator manages all aspects of the canteen including ordering stock, managing helpers and preparing food. If you are interested, please contact me at school.

Have a great week.

Mr Aaron Moon
Principal

Religion

This week is the 30th Sunday of Ordinary time in the Church calendar year. The Gospel reading is from Mark (10: 46-52).

The story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar sitting by the side of the road, waiting for Jesus, is one of my favourite pieces of scripture. It is a story full of hope and faith, in a world where having a disability of any kind left you behind, made you an outcast. We can look at this story on two levels. Firstly, we have the blind beggar seeking out Jesus in faith, knowing he would be healed. On another level, we can look at Bartimaeus representing us and our need to be cured of our spiritual blindness.

As a healing and giving back of sight, the miracle demonstrates the power of faith and the love of God for those in need. However, it took courage to call out over the crowd, to seek out Jesus over the noise of the crowd and the discouragement they offered. Faith takes perseverance, courage and physical effort; it doesn’t always come easily though Bartimaeus is a good role model, at least for me.

But what about spiritual blindness? What is blind to us in our daily life? Do we truly see and appreciate our partners, our family, those we work with and those we encounter in our daily journeys? And, what about our own imperfections? The “me first” moments in our lives, that block out others and God, and prevent us from being whole and fully human.

Like Bartimaeus, I am also inspired by the life of Helen Keller and the positive attitude she brough to her life and the challenges that blindness presented, as well as the opportunities. Some of her inspiring words are: Keep you face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.” “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

Reflection is from the St Vincent de Paul Society ‘Spiritual Reflection Guide’ and was written by Greg Ryan.

Something to think about …..What are we blind to in our daily lives?

This term, the month of October is dedicated to Mission Month. Our school is partnering with Catholic Mission by participating in Socktober. We invite our students to connect with young people experiencing challenges in the developing world through education and the world game of soccer.

This year, our collective fundraising efforts will support vulnerable children in Thailand through a kindergarten run by the Good Shepherd Sisters in Bangkok. The kindergarten provides a caring learning environment for the children and allows their parents, often single mothers, to work and support the family.

More information will be coming home this week about Socktober. If you would like to visit the Socktober website for information about more Catholic Mission please use this following link.

May your lamp continue to burn brightly helping others along the way

Mrs Jane Jacobs
Religious Education Coordinator

Assistant Principal

Welcome back! We love having you here with us. The majority of students have settled back into our routines here at school, but some haven’t … and that’s OK. We are working with each student where they are with their nerves. We are working with each student where they are at with their learning. The teachers have enjoyed getting to know their students again … we have enjoyed hearing about lost teeth, birthdays and new pets. Don’t forget we are here to support your child. Your child’s teacher is your first contact … they are the ones that work with them every day and can support them in the classroom and playground.

Attendance

Don’t forget that we are back to using Compass to record absences for your child. We encourage you to log into your parent portal and log the reason for absence as soon as you can. You only have 7 days to explain their absence, and then it becomes unexplained.

Semester 2 Reports

The Semester 2 Reports for our students are currently being finalised by the Catholic Schools Office. These reports will be based on your child’s engagement in our learning during lockdown. Stay tuned for details regarding dates these reports will be sent home.

Assessments for Year 2 to Year 6

Each year, we use the ACER PAT online tests for assessment of Reading, Spelling and Mathematics. The results from these tests form part of the data that we use to help guide us in the decisions we make for teaching your children. These online tests are taking place over the next couple of weeks for all students in Year 2 to Year 6. They only take up to a maximum of 60 minutes to complete (many take a lot less time) and are facilitated by classroom teachers and learning support teacher.

Uniform

Don’t forget that we expect all students in our school to be in full school unform each day. Of course, we understand if there is a reason your child is out of uniform for a short period of time … this happens from time to time. Please contact Mr Moon if there is a reason your child is out of uniform for an extended period. The uniform shop is open each Wednesday and Thursday during the day when Mrs Hand has a chance to fill your order. You are asked to send your order form to the office, and we will arrange for the order to be filled on those days. The order can be sent to the email address admin@muswellbrook.catholic.edu.au or can be sent to the office using the order form.

Mrs Shannon Hall
Assistant Principal

Primary Coordinator

TERM 4 WELLBEING

I have absolutely loved being back in my Wellbeing Room and teaching again – we made it! It has been wonderful to be able to touch base with each student over the past few weeks and see how they are feeling / coping with the return to school – many mixed emotions (as I’m sure you are aware of). We talked about the Grow Your Mind character strength of ‘flexibility’ and how this strength has been used by the students in their home learning and return to school.

Above is a perfect example of when the character strength of “flexibility’ is needed – consider this: No mud, no lotus….

The stunning lotus flower grows from the mud. The message here: the hard times, the mistakes and the setbacks can often be our times of greatest growth.

During your child’s next ‘mud’ moment remind them of one of their character strengths that might help them overcome their struggle. E.g. You could use your strength of flexibility right now to help you negotiate who goes first.

Habits and Goals

This term, our wellbeing focus from the Visible Wellbeing SEARCH Framework will be Habits & Goals.

Habits are things we do automatically, without thinking about them. They can be good or bad, depending what they are. Knowing how to break bad habits, and create good ones, helps students achieve their goals. Setting goals gives them something to work towards. Having a sense of purpose and direction enhances their feelings of wellbeing.

Pos Ed Book Club

Sam Bloom: Heartache & Birdsong

By Samantha Bloom, Cameron Bloom & Bradley Trevor Greive

The heart-warming Australian story Penguin Bloom – the miraculous tale of a baby magpie that helped save a young mother and her family. It is also now a major film starring Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln. Sam’s personal message at the end of the book has resonated powerfully with readers – where, pulling no punches, she writes about what it is really like to face life in a wheelchair.

In Sam Bloom, Sam tells her own story for the first time – how a shy but determined Australian girl became a nurse and travelled across Africa. How she fell in love with a like-minded free spirit, raised three boys and built a life together on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. And then, in a single horrific moment, how everything changed. Sam’s journey back from the edge of death and the depths of despair is so much more than an account of overcoming adversity. It is humbling, heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure.

Book Trailer:

Tea with Jules: Sam & Cameron Bloom

Thought of the Week

Choose kindness, always.

Miss Eloise Hand
Primary Coordinator & Lead Teacher of Positive Education

Awards

Class News

ES1

It has been wonderful to have all the students in KG and KM return to school. Both classes have been lucky enough to have grown with new students. A huge welcome to those families. We have missed all the beaming smiles and listening to the stories about what is happening in your world……we have noticed that the tooth fairy has been extremely busy over the last 6 weeks!

This term we are continuing to build upon our letter sound knowledge by introducing new sounds. Our tricky words are expanding and students are becoming more confident with reading words automatically.

It has been important for KG and KM to reconnect with many friends over the last 2 weeks and we have been extremely fortunate to be able to play in the Fairy Garden as well as the sandpit. The imaginary play of all students has continued to grow and surprise Mrs Smith and Mrs Jacobs.

Please ensure that your child has a library bag on Tuesday to borrow new books for the week. Each child was given a Bookclub order, if you would like to purchase any books. Remember that this must be complete online and the link for this is located on the last page of the catalogue.

Here are some photos of students playing at lunchtime.

Mrs Donna Smith and Mrs Jane Jacobs

Stage 1

Welcome back to school! Stage 1 have really settled back into school routines and are doing extremely well managing with the changes in areas to play in the playground. They have enjoyed playing as a group on Skellatar Oval and in the Courtyard so far.

In English, Year 2 have started reading a range in imaginative and persuasive texts and are learning about the way ideas are portrayed and represented in texts. In the coming weeks students will examine the structure of persuasive texts. They will develop an understanding of how to use persuasive techniques to persuade others. As part of this unit called ‘Representation’ students will explore the comprehension skills of monitoring and questioning to support their understanding of what they are reading.

In Mathematics, Stage 1 have been looking at the features of Three- Dimensional objects. They have enjoyed making various 3D objects out of straws, paddle pop sticks, matchbox sticks and blue tac. Students have examined the properties of 3D shapes identifying faces, edges and vertices. Stage one examined 2D shapes by identifying and drawing regular 2D shapes and flipping, sliding and turning these shapes.

Reminders:

As the weather gets warmer, please remember to pack a hat and drink bottle each day and make sure it is labelled.

Please continue home reading, don’t forget to fill out home reading logs to go in the draw for a chance to win a prize of Mr Moon.

Year 2 students are reminded that they are still able to use log in details for Matific, Wushka, Lexia and Prodigy and complete weekly Mathematics and Spelling homework tasks, due each Friday.

Looking forward to a fabulous and enjoyable term being back at school.

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

Stage 2

Stage Two teachers were so excited to welcome the students back to school in Week Two.

We have spent the beginning of the term establishing routines and relationships again.

The students are keenly participating in English lessons on the picture book Flotsam. We are also reading the class novel Grimsdon which is very creative and students are thoroughly enjoying.

In HSIE-Geography we are learning all about countries in the Asia Pacific Region as being part of Australia’s neighbours. In Library lessons this term Mrs Wilson will be specifically focusing on Japan which is always lots of fun and very fascinating.

In Science and Technology the focus is on Living and Non-Living classifications. The children are already fascinated by really paying attention to the observable features of animals, plants and minerals.

In Religion we are learning all about the Beatitudes and what it means to be truly happy.

Over the course of the term we will cover many areas of Mathematics but so far we have focused on Addition and Subtraction, Statistics and Probability and Time.

During PD/H/PE we are focusing on Indigenous games. In Week 2 we played a game that originally was played with fruit but it certainly felt like we were playing a game of volleyball.

We hope everyone is settling in and we remind you to please contact your class teacher with any questions or queries you may have.

Ms Katrina Clement, Mrs Jane Dengate and Mrs Donna-Maree Watt

Stage 3

It has been wonderful to see Stage 3 back at school and ready to learn. This term in English we will be focusing on the book ‘Boy Overboard’ by Morris Gleitzman. Students have been successfully analysing the contrast between Australia and Afghanistan. This has further been supported by students’ learning in Religion. Stage 3 have been looking at the ‘Magna Carta’ and the impacts it has had on democracy and maintaining basic human rights. In Maths we have been building upon our knowledge of fractions and decimals and revising the importance of place value when multiplying and dividing.

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

Let’s Yabber – Indigenous News

St James’ NAIDOC is finally back on!! It will be held on Friday 12th November, Week 6. Students will be participating in a full day of activities based on this year’s theme, ‘Heal Country’.

Children can come out of uniform dressed in clothes with Indigenous designs or colours of the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flags.

Bush Tucker lunches that were ordered at the start of last term will be served on the day. I will send home a copy of the lunch order with your child during Week 4 as many will have forgotten their order. If your child has not yet placed an order they will receive a blank order form.

Unfortunately we are unable to invite parents, friends & community members to attend our celebrations but we’re hoping to have some virtual guests making an appearance on the day.

Thank you so much for your patience.

Mrs Tania Thompson
Aboriginal Education Teacher

Learning Support

CILSP

CILSP sessions have resumed and this term we will be focusing on literacy across the school as well as numeracy in Stage 2. As students are still settling back into face to face learning we have decided not to offer sessions before and after school.

Some students who were working in literacy groups during Terms 2 and 3 (including during Home Learning) will continue sessions during Term 4. Others will have finished the program they were doing and will not receive further intervention this year. Students who have completed programs are currently being assessed to identify areas of personal growth and success. If your child is no longer participating in the program you will receive written notification of this, including the progress made, in coming weeks.

Students receiving numeracy support this term will be working in small groups within the classroom supported by a Learning Support Assistant. If your child is receiving numeracy support you will have received a note already this term.

Mrs Renee Gavin
Learning Support Teacher

Sport

School Swimming Carnival

Reminder that all nominations need to be emailed asap.
At this stage there is only 7 nominations.

The school swimming carnival will be held on Thursday 2nd December at Denman Pool. A note about travel will be sent out Week 3 with students. To assist with creating the events for the carnival could you please email nominations to jane.dengate@mn.catholic.edu.au

State

Childs name

Class

House Team

Events to be entered in.

All children who are turning 8 or older in 2022 are eligible to complete.

Available Events

100m Freestyle, 50m Freestyle

50m Breaststroke

50m Backstroke

50m Butterfly

Individual Medley ( 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle.)

The 100m Freestyle is an Open age group where 8 to 13 year olds compete against each other.

50m Freestyle is age groups.

50m Breaststroke, 50m Butterfly, 50m Backstroke and the Individual medley is divided into 3 age groups. Junior which is 8, 9 and 10 year olds. 11yr old and Senior which is 12 and 13 year olds.

Further information will be provided at a later date.

Mrs Jane Dengate
Sports Co-ordinator

St. James’ P & F Association

P&F Committee Contacts

From the Community