4 April 2022

Newsletter Articles

Our Mission @ SJM

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

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Principal’s Message

Honestly, where does the time go? It only feels like yesterday that we were welcoming our students back to school after the school holidays.

It has been a very busy term and we have navigated COVID-19 relatively well at SJM. A big thank you to the SJM community: the school staff, the students and, of course you, the parents. I am sure there will be more changes to the COVID-19 guidelines and some bumps along the way. Rest assured I will keep you in the loop with all things COVID-19.

Teacher Shortages Across NSW

As you may’ve heard in the media, there is a teacher shortage across NSW. This has affected all schools in NSW: Catholic, Independent and Public. This is especially felt at SJM with the availability of casuals. SJM share a limited number of casuals across all three sectors. In fact, some of our casual staff travel from Newcastle to join us. We are grateful for this.

When staff take leave, are sick and cannot take their class we cannot just rely on our casuals to take a class. However, with the help of our SJM staff we have not had to split one class this term, not one!

This is testament to the following staff:

• The executive: Mrs Shannon Hall, Miss Hand and Mrs Jacobs
• Our Learning Support Teacher, Mrs Renee Gavin
• Our Aboriginal Education Teacher, Mrs Tania Thompson
• Our Librarian, Mrs Lisa Wilson.

In fact, Mrs Thompson, Mrs Gavin and Mrs Hall have massively sacrificed their roles to ensure the students have had normal classes this term. Thank you, Tania, Renee and Shannon.

We do hope that this teacher shortage is addressed soon as it certainly does affect our school community on a daily basis.

Holy Week at SJM

I do hope you are able to join us for Holy Week @ SJM. Please see below the timetable of events:

A reminder that families are most welcome to attend these events.

So, we can organise seating we ask that you book your seats through the humanitix website, using the links below. There are no booking limits!

If you don’t register, you will still be able to attend, but it would be appreciated if you please take the time to book in through the website.

Please ensure you arrive early, as I assume it may be a busy week and I don’t want you to miss out.

Tuesday 5th April

• Kindergarten @ 9:30am - https://events.humanitix.com/holy-week-kindergraten-palm-sunday
• Stage 1 @ 2pm - https://events.humanitix.com/holy-week-stage-1-the-last-supper

Wednesday 6th April

• Stage 2 @ 9:30am - https://events.humanitix.com/holy-week-stage-2-the-gargen-of-gethsemane

Thursday 7th April

• Stage 3 @ 9:30am - https://events.humanitix.com/holy-week-stage-3-the-stations-of-the-cross

Easter Hat Parade

Friday 8th April

The children are excited to take part in the Easter Hat Parade this Friday. I hope you have had a fun weekend of making Easter hats. I know the Moon household has!!

A reminder that it is a gold coin donation to enter with three prizes randomly drawn out per class.

If you are coming along, please book using the link below.

K – 6 @ 2pm - https://events.humanitix.com/sjm-easter-hat-parade

The Mini Vinnies Easter Raffle will be drawn on Friday afternoon as well.

COVID Intensive Learning Program (CILS)

The Federal Government is supporting schools to assist students in their learning through funding to provide the CILS program. Here at SJM the CILS program has been up and running since last year.

We have been fortunate to have Speech Therapist Natasha Nester work with students in Term 1 and again in Term 2. She is assisting students with phonological awareness, cued articulation and some speech therapy support for correct mouth/tongue placement.

We farewell Mrs Clement at the end of this term. She has been completing the Mini-Lit program with our students.

We welcome Mrs Kim Bray to SJM this term. Kim will be providing in class, small group support for students as part of CILS program.

Uniform Shop Coordinator

I would like to thank Mrs Sue Hand for filling in as Uniform Shop Coordinator for the last two terms. Thank you, Sue, for your commitment and dedication to the SJM Community.

I would like to announce that Mrs Kim Bray has been appointed to the role of Uniform Shop Coordinator. Kim will begin in this position next term.

School Photos

MSP Photography will be onsite for School Photos on Wednesday 27th April. We ask that students wear full summer uniform on this day.

Uniform Transition

A reminder that the transition to winter uniform will begin in Week 1. For the first two weeks of school students may either wear full summer or full winter uniform.

It is expected that all students are wearing full winter uniform by Monday 9th May.

If you need to order from the Uniform Shop, please email or drop in orders to the office.

ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day is one of the most important national commemorative occasions in Australia, marking the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand armed forces during World War One.

I do hope that your children are able to march with us on Monday 25th April.

I hope to confirm all details soon. Please stay tuned on COMPASS and Facebook.

As per previous years, I will be organising a video to go on Facebook. If you would like to be part of this, please Facebook message or email me – aaron.moon@mn.catholic.edu.au a family photo with the hashtag #ANZACSPIRITALIVEANDWELLATSJM

Farewell Mrs Watt

As you may know, Mrs Donna-Maree Watt is taking leave for the remainder of the year to care for her family, including her father. Donna-Maree is a valued member of our school community and will be greatly missed.

Donna-Maree, we hope that this leave with provide you with many opportunities to make memories with your family. We will see you back teaching in 2023!

As soon as we have appointed a teacher to replace Mrs Watt I will let you know. Please stay tuned on COMPASS and Facebook.

Holiday Facebook Challenge

Stay tuned next week for the SJM Holiday Facebook Competition.

Enrolments for Kindergarten 2023

Do you know of anyone with a child starting school next year? If you do, please encourage them to consider SJM. Our enrolment period has begun, and we look forward to offering interviews early next term.

Wishing you all a safe and Holy Easter and I look forward to seeing you back on Tuesday 26th April.

Mr Aaron Moon
Principal

Religion

Reflection

Holy Week is an important time during the Lenten season. It marks the final week of the season of Lent and it recounts the final days of Christ’s life, as well as his death, burial and resurrection. Each Stage has taken great time and care in preparing these liturgies to share with our SJM community.

During our Lenten journey it is important to remember that God never gives up on us. God is always challenging us to be forgiving. God’s power is kindness, compassion and love.

How can you describe God’s goodness in your life?

Sacramental Program 2022

Thank you to those parents who have expressed as interest in the Sacramental program for 2022. If you are interested in your child participating in this parish-run program, to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation, please email me your name and your child’ name ( jane.jacobs@mn.catholic.edu.au )

I wish all our SJM families and community a safe and Holy Easter season. May you be blessed with happiness, courage and love.

Mrs Jane Jacobs
Religious Education Coordinator

Primary Coordinator

Life Education Van

Over the past two weeks, all students had the opportunity to attend a Life Education lesson in the old hall. It was so wonderful to see Harold again! For many of our Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 2 students, this was their first-time meeting Harold, which was exciting.

All classes and teachers had very positive feedback about their session. We look forward to seeing Harold and the facilitators back here at SJM in 2023.

Accentuate the Positive!

I thought I would share with you, an article that I published at the end of 2021, in the Aurora Magazine. Perhaps you may find one or more of the tips helpful.

Link to the full article cam be found below:

ELOISE HAND PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Children know to brush their teeth and put on sunscreen as part of a daily routine.

Thankfully, we don't wait till they've got tooth decay or skin cancers to introduce these healthy habits. Prevention is always better than a cure.

Our youngsters (mostly) embrace these concepts because we, the adults in their lives, introduce them at a young age and reinforce them through daily conversations and positive role modelling.

And while physical care is and should be a top priority, it's time we adopt the same proactive approach to our children's mental health care.

Why? For starters, research indicates that 24 per cent of school students have a mental health issue.

Compounding this is that suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians.

The time is ripe for us to be empowering the children and young people in our lives with the skills they need to face any of life's challenges that they will come across. It's what will help them bounce back when times are hard. Again, prevention is always better than a cure.

Current statistics show that many young people experience difficulties with emotional regulation, self-regulation, resilience, self-esteem, and anxiety. These difficulties can leave parents and carers wondering how to help them overcome these issues and often feeling helpless.

There are excellent resources available to guide your conversations with children around their wellbeing, which will help them to mature and flourish.

Below are some of my top tips to help you empower your child to thrive and be the best version of themselves.

Take a strength-based parenting approach

One of the world's leading experts on positive education, psychologist and author Lea Waters AM, has undertaken a great deal of research on strength-based parenting (SBP). This approach allows parents to put their children in touch with their specific talents (e.g., physical, mental, creative, technical, or social) and positive personality traits (e.g., capacity for kindness, courage, or love). Ms Waters says, "A strong child is one who can play to his strengths while simultaneously working on his weaknesses". Adopting a SBP approach doesn't mean you ignore weaknesses; it means you view them in a different approach. Address the strengths first e.g., "Sam, I love when you use your strength of fairness when you play with your sister" or "Ellie, I love when you

use your strength of creativity to do your drawings".

Mindful parent, mindful child

Your mindfulness level spills over into your children. How aware are you of your food, surroundings, or mental state in the present moment? Is your mind flooded with thoughts from the past or filled with what is coming up next? Mindfulness is scientifically proven to lower stress levels, anger, and anxiety. It also plays a role in raising positive emotions—the more mindful the parent, the more mindful the child. And the more mindful the child is, the less stressed they will be. I encourage you to check out the Smiling Mind app. It is a fantastic and free resource that can be easily incorporated into the family routine, particularly before bed. Mindfulness is a wonderful strategy to help your child cope with feelings and challenging emotions.

Gratitude is good for you and your family

Gratitude is all about noticing and actively appreciating all of the good things and moments in your life. Gratitude feels good – when we are appreciated or show appreciation towards others, we feel warm on the inside. Gratitude also helps to build positive and lasting relationships with others. My two favourite family gratitude strategies are 'What Went Well' (WWW) and the 'Gratitude Jar'. The WWW approach involves asking your child to share three good things about their day. This could be done on the drive home from school, at the dinner table or just before they hop into bed. The Gratitude Jar involves you placing an empty jar in the kitchen and asking your family members to put in a note every time they feel grateful for someone else in the family. Read these notes together at Christmas time, before the New Year or simply once the jar is full.

Beware of the negativity bias

Our brains are wired to be on the lookout for anything that might cause us harm; these are our survival instincts. We see it in our everyday lives; uncomfortable emotions, unpleasant experiences, and hurtful feedback have more impact than 'good' ones. The research says that it takes around seven positive things to counteract one negative. We don't want the negatives consuming us, especially when it comes to raising a child. Remember to practice gratitude and focus on your child's strengths (even in trying times). Attention on the positive helps us to thrive.

Give yourself permission to be human

It's okay to make mistakes; no parent is perfect. Sometimes our greatest strengths come through our greatest mistakes. Trust that you are on the right path, look for the good, focus on the strengths, model the same behaviours you want your child to display, create an environment where your child feels loved and supported. If you make a mistake, forget something, or lose your temper, own it. Acknowledge what went wrong and reframe your thinking for next time.

Thought of the week:

I do hope you and your beautiful families enjoy a safe and enjoyable Easter break.

Choose kindness, always.

Miss Eloise Hand
Primary Coordinator & Lead Teacher of Positive Education

Awards

Class News

ES1

Healthy Harold is always a highlight of the year for kindergarten. The children have been waiting in anticipation for their turn to visit Healthy Harold in the van, but unfortunately, we didn’t get to go in the van this year, due to Covid restrictions. However, Healthy Harold came to us! He taught the children about hygiene, nutrition, and physical activity, with lots of interactive games and adventures.

Has your child been coming home talking about ‘Kandinsky’? The children have been studying the artist Wassily Kandinsky this term and have completed many artworks inspired by this famous painter. They have been fascinated with Kandinsky’s ability to see shapes and colours when he listened to music. We had some very interesting results when we tried it!

We have also been very busy practising the dramatisation of Palm Sunday, ready for our liturgy tomorrow morning. We look forward to seeing many of our grown-ups at school watching this important event.

Mrs Donna Smith and Mrs Jane Jacobs

Stage 1

Students have received a visit from Healthy Harold. They demonstrated so much excitement when meeting him. Students had the task of helping Harold decide on what to choose for a gift for grandma’s birthday and completed an activity about different types of healthy and unhealthy foods.

In Mathematics, Year 2 students have been learning about length. They have been comparing the length of various objects using informal units, as well as exploring the centimetre measurement using a 30cm ruler.

Stage 1 are getting organised to present their Holy Week Liturgy - The Last Supper and The Washing of the Feet in our last week of term. We hope that you enjoy it.

We look forward to attending the Circus skills workshop for our reward in week 11.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via email.

Please have a safe and happy holiday and a nice easter break.

Miss Annerley Fitzsimmons, Mrs Mary Ballard, Mrs Trishelle Threadgate and Miss Jane Boyle

Stage 2

Stage 2 have been enjoying the Roald Dahl book called the Twits. The funny, entertaining book has enabled the students to study the characters and complete a variety of activities related to the book. In Mathematics, the students have been looking at 2D shapes and 3D objects within their world and the properties of each. For many students this has allowed them to revise the common shapes and objects they know but they have also discovered new and interesting ones. In History the students have finished looking at the early explorers that are part of our history and will start the new unit of Early Settlement next term. In Religion the children have been looking at Lent and the sacrifices that Jesus made for us. Each class has begun preparing their presentation of Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas betrayal and Soldiers arrest Jesus, Peter’s Denial and Jesus before Pilate.

We wish all our families Happy Easter and an enjoyable holiday.

Miss Emma Beletich, Mrs Jane Dengate and Mrs Donna-Maree Watt

Stage 3

Stage 3 have been busy working on their re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross ready for presentation in week 11, which reinforces our Lent and Easter unit in Religion. The students have been revisiting the sacrifices Jesus made for us and how we can make Lenten promises and sacrifices as a small gesture of gratitude.

In Mathematics, students have been drawing and creating 3D shapes as well as focusing on Patterns and Algebra. In History, the students will continue looking at The Australian Colonies. Our basketball sessions for sport have concluded, and it has been great to see the students use the skills they learnt when playing basketball at lunchtime.

Stage 3 teachers would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Easter and a restful holiday.

Mrs Rebecca Harrod, Mrs Melissa McLennan, Mrs Clare Collett and Miss Lauren Osborne

Learning Support

Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At St. James’ Primary School we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce or related circumstances, young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. We are therefore offering a very successful education program called Seasons for Growth which will commence in Term 2. This program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research which highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The program focuses on issues such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and support networks.

The program uses the metaphor of the seasons to explain change, loss and grief. It is based on the belief that grief is normal and can be a valuable part of life.

Research shows that participants continue to use their learning from Seasons for Growth as they face subsequent change, loss and grief in their lives. "The most important thing I have learned is that things change whether you want them to or not and you learn more things” (Primary School Participant)

The Seasons for Growth Program is not counselling or therapy. It is an educational, peer support, small-group program that allows for the exploration and understanding of change, loss and grief in our lives within a curriculum-based framework. It has been positively evaluated by the Commonwealth Government, the South Australian Government, Melbourne University and Southern Cross University.

The aims of the program are:

• To support young people to understand and manage change, loss and grief in their lives
• To assist them in understanding that the emotions associated with the loss are normal
• To encourage the expression of thoughts and emotions
• To educate about the grief process
• To develop a peer-support network
• To help restore self-confidence and self esteem
• To reduce isolation

If you think your son or daughter would benefit from Seasons for Growth we would encourage you to talk to him/her about participating in the program. If they have completed the program before, they benefit from reconnecting again at a different level.

St. James’ is pleased to be able to offer this important program and we are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those who request to be involved. If you require further information please contact the school.

Mrs Renee Gavin
Learning Support Teacher

Sport

Cross Country

On Monday 21st March, the students from Year 2 to Year 6 competed in the school cross country for positions in the St James Cross Country team to participate at the Regional Cross Country at Merriwa on Wednesday 6th April. The students listed below were successful in achieving positions in the team. Students attending the Regional Cross Country will need to be in the first 3 and make qualifying times to go to the Diocesan Cross Country. We wish these students good luck at Merriwa.

Diocesan Sporting Trials

Congratulations to Abbie Wright who has made the Diocesan Touch Football team to attend the Polding trials in Term 2.

Congratulations to Cameron Watt and Bradley Watt who have made the Diocesan Hockey Team to compete at the Polding Trials at Bathurst Week 1 of Term 2.

Group 21 Rugby League

On Friday 25th March, 3 teams travelled to Scone to participate in Group 21 Rugby league carnival. Each team participated in 3 games throughout the day.

The Under 8s showed improvement in each game. Jack Foster and Harrison Stone ran the ball up very strongly throughout the day. Henry Pettman gave excellent service of ball to the team from dummy half and defended strongly against boys double his size. Braygen Hann ran evasively and distributed the ball to his team mates. Alexander Fordham and Nixon Graham grew in confidence with every game with some effective runs and tackling the opposition. Brady Edmonds, Callum Clement and Rylan Cooper ran the ball well against the opposition and grew in confidence during every game. Congratulations to Nixon Graham who was playing in his first carnival receiving the teams players player award.

The Under 9s started strongly in their first game but injuries began to hamper the team in the other games. The experience of Harry Dever, Riley Brett, Xavier Hartley, Mason Chapman and Eddie Deakin showed in their ability to attack against strong defence and defending the opposition evasive attack. Cameron Murphy, Kobi Judge, Colton Hedges, Ryder Peel and Jaxon Matheson effectively assisted the players in the defence line and stopping many of the oppositions attacks on the try line. Congratulations to Jaxon Matheson for being named players player for this team in his first rugby league carnival.

The Under 11s team were very competitive throughout the day winning 2 of their 3 games. The children were divided into 2 squads to play 9 a side rugby league. The Under 11 children plus some rugby league beginners, started strongly, every game. Sonny Ward distributed the ball effectively to his team from dummy half and ran many darting runs gaining vital ground for his team. Mitchell Chapman led the team around the park from first receiver and was assisted by Oliver Partridge in taking the team forward. Abi Large, Tanner Hann and Lachlan Fulloon made vital metres with every run they did.

The Under 10 children came onto the field in the second half and secured the win for their team in two of the games. Stella Medhurst was instrumental in directing the younger group of students around the park and her confidence on the field saw her named player’s player for the Under 11s. Tylo Gitzel used his athleticism to direct and organise the team from first receiver and evading much of the defence when running the ball. Archie Medhurst steam rolled down the park making important metres with every run. Logan McFawn and James Clement worked hard in attack and defence. Our newcomers to rugby league supported both teams and became more confident with every game. Dustin Fordham gained confidence and ran away for two tries while Bradley Watt and Danelza Steyn developed good defence teamwork out wide and worked to stop attacking raids from the opposition. They also became more confident running up the ball.

Well done to all of the teams that played and a major thank you to all of the parents who assisted with teams. Especially Andrew Partridge, David Hartley and Justin Chapman who ran the teams when needed.

Mrs Jane Dengate
Sports Co-ordinator

St. James’ P & F Association

P&F Committee Contacts

Education in NSW is compulsory. Principals are legally responsible for keeping accurate records of student attendance. The Principal has the right to question parents or carers requests for their child to be absent from school. Principals are also responsible for deciding if the reason for absence is justified.

Parents and carers are asked not to withdraw their children from school for family holidays. If your family holiday is in school time, inform the Principal in advance and request leave and/or exemption from school. Forms are available from the office.

Any absence from school for 7 school days or more requires an application for exemption. It is required under the Education and Public Instruction Act 1987 that a written note explaining a child’s absence from school be supplied by the parents or carers. Parents may also communicate absence via the Compass App, by a phone call or email to the school. If advice of absence is not forthcoming after ten days, then the child is marked ‘Absent without Leave.’

If a child arrives at school after 9.00am, please accompany them to the front office and sign them in with the Compass kiosk. If you are collecting your child before 3.05pm, please come to the front office and sign them out via the Compass kiosk and your child will be called from class to meet you there.