11 August 2023

Our Mission @ SJM

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

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Creator God, we thank you for the life and the canonisation of Saint Mary the cross MacKillop. She taught us that you understand us better than we understand ourselves. May we trust as Mary did, being mindful of your loving presence in all we do. Living today with Mary’s words leaning on you and trusting in your providence. Amen

“He wants us to take fresh courage – to lean more on Him and less on ourselves.” St Mary MacKillop 1877.

Principal’s Message

Dear Community,

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of a beloved past teacher, Mrs Jennifer O’Brien. She was an extraordinary educator who left a lasting mark on our SJM school community. 

During her time at SJM, Jenny touched the lives of countless students, inspiring and guiding them with her unwavering dedication and passion for education. She was known for her ability to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment, fostering a love for learning and encouraging students to reach their full potential. Jenny's impact extended far beyond the classroom, as she went above and beyond to support students in their extracurricular activities and personal growth.

We will forever cherish the memories and lessons Jenny shared with us. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jenny’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Feast Day of Mary MacKillop

In our school newsletter today, I would like to shed light on an extraordinary woman who played a pivotal role in shaping the education system in Australia – Mary MacKillop.

Mary MacKillop, born on January 15, 1842, in Fitzroy, Victoria, was an Australian nun, teacher, and social reformer. Her unwavering dedication to education, particularly for the underprivileged, has left an lasting impact on schooling in our country.

In the late 19th century, Mary MacKillop recognised the need for accessible education for all children, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds. She founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, a religious order focused on providing quality education to the poor and marginalised. Through her tireless efforts, she established numerous schools across Australia, including our very own St James’.

Mary MacKillop's approach to education was revolutionary for its time. She emphasized the importance of individual attention, student empowerment, and the integration of education with practical life skills. Her teaching methods focused on nurturing students' talents, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering a love for lifelong learning.

Furthermore, Mary MacKillop's impact extended beyond the classroom. She believed that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status or religious beliefs. As a result, she welcomed children from diverse backgrounds and established schools that provided education to indigenous communities and even remote areas.

Mary MacKillop's dedication to education also led her to advocate for fair treatment of teachers, decent working conditions, and equal opportunities for women in the profession. Her tireless efforts paved the way for improved standards in education and a more inclusive society.

Today, Mary MacKillop's legacy continues to inspire educators and students alike. Her commitment to providing quality education, especially to those in need, remains at the heart of our educational philosophy here at St James’.  We strive to uphold her values of compassion, respect, and inclusivity in our daily interactions with students, parents, and staff.

As we celebrate Mary MacKillop's contributions to Australian education, let us remember the immense impact she had on our schooling system. Her vision of education as a tool for empowerment and social change continues to guide our path towards creating a brighter future for all.

Thank you to our Stage 3 classes that led us so beautifully in Liturgy on Tuesday. Thank you also to Sr Dorothy for being an important part of the fabric that is St James’ Primary School.

God of all blessings,
you revealed in Mary MacKillop a sensitivity to the rights and dignity of every person, regardless of race or creed.
May we learn from her to overcome the obstacles of prejudice and fear.
Help us to value the goodness of each person and all the blessings of unity in diversity.
We ask this through the depth and unity of you,
our bountiful God, who hold all things in being. 
Amen

Hot of the Press

Congratulations to Oliver P on being selected in the Polding Golf Squad. Oliver placed 4^th in the recent competition at Blackheath after shooting an 11 over 77. Well done Oliver!

Cinema Under the Stars

We are very excited for the 15^th September for the P & F’s Cinema Under the Stars. We do hope you can join us for some fun!

The SRC are preselling showbags too. Take a look on QKR for more details.

Mr Aaron Moon
Principal

Assistant Principal

ASPIRE does it again! The Pirate Code

Our school community enjoyed our recent excursion to the Civic Theatre, Newcastle along with many other schools across the diocese. While there are many components of the ASPIRE program, the pinnacle is undoubtedly the student performances at the iconic Civic Theatre. The swelled audience numbers this year reflected the journey of success ASPIRE has enjoyed this year. We were once again afforded the privilege of student performances in acting dancing and music. We were stunned by the magic that students demonstrate through ASPIRE. The overwhelming joy and satisfaction in each student as they performed, acted, and danced along with their peers. Students were absorbed in their passion and enthusiasm as they gave their best through the performance. Students can not only see the rewards of performing but have their lives so greatly enriched by their association with ASPIRE.

Our deep thanks and appreciation for the enjoyment provided to us through this year’s performances of The Pirate Code.

2024 audition details for those who would like to try out are attached in the flyer.

Our staff and students really got into the swing of things and even dressed up for the occasion. The best dressed pirate staff goes to Mrs. Jacobs and student winner Max Gallagher in 4 Gold. Well done me hearties! Argy!

Both scored a prize from Mrs Feeney’s pirrrrrrrate treasure prize box!!

NAPLAN

Our NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy) for Year 3 and 5 results have been released and all students received their reports. The changes in the report format are quite significant so I have included a short video for you to view. Parent fact sheet and a sample report explaining further is attached. More information can be found at

CANBERRA REMINDERS

Week 8 is approaching quickly for us as we make our final plans and organisation for the trip to Canberra. Thank you to those who returned forms and paid promptly – this makes organising rooms, medications, and responsibilities for those who are supervising the trip much easier and is appreciated so we can aim to make this a memorable excursion. For those who need medications ensure you always have an up-to-date puffer and doctor action plans for the duration of Week 8 (and your personal puffer with you, and one at the admin office at school always) if you have asthma. A few students have been recently diagnosed or need their plans updating. It is essential that the admin office knows this information. All medications must be in a labelled zip lock bag with the student’s name on the packaging to avoid any errors.

MUSHROOM GROWING PROJECT AT SJM

St James get growing our own this term with the Mushroom School Project. All 18 boxes which arrived have been dispatched and the mycelium stage observed. Classes have begun the growing process. We will watch the growing process over the term and beyond.

Mushrooms are the ‘fun-guy’ in class!

The Australian Mushroom Growers Association has developed the Mushrooms in Schools program, to help primary school educators teach students all about the mighty mushroom!

Mushroom education is important at a primary school level, to ensure children are aware that mushrooms are not a fruit, or a vegetable – mushrooms are fungi and belong to a separate food kingdom to fruits and veggies. Being fungi, mushrooms grow in a unique way and have a different nutrition profile too.

Mrs Douglas in the library has been growing mushrooms too. Take a look at hers when she planted them and now this week.

This box of Mushrooms was planted on the 18^th July, 2023.
This picture was taken on the 4^th August.
Who hoo we have our first sign of mushroom life!!!! Well done Mrs Douglas.
FOR MORE INFORMATION recipes, tips, videos and much more.

Mushroom Pesto Pinwheels

PREP TIME 10 mins COOK TIME 25 mins TOTAL TIME 35 mins

 3 cups mushrooms
 1 sheet puff pastry
 ¼ cup nut - free basil pesto*
 ¼ cup grated tasty cheese
 1 egg (optional)

*Nut Free Pesto

 1 clove garlic
 1 cup basil
 ¼ cup olive oil
 ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
 salt and pepper to taste

1
Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

2
Lightly wipe mushrooms with a piece of paper towel to remove any dirt. Trim the stalks of the mushrooms then chop the mushrooms into 0.5cm slices.

3
Crack the egg into a small bowl and lightly mix with a fork.

4
To make the pinwheels, spread the basil pesto over the sheet of puff pastry, stopping 2cm from one edge of the pastry. Sprinkle cheese over the basil pesto. Place sliced mushrooms in an even layer on top of the cheese.

5
Brush the egg over the strip of pastry that remains untopped.

6
Roll the puff pastry into a log, starting at the filled edge and moving towards the edge that is untopped. Press the edge to seal closed.

7
Cut the log into 2cm pieces. Place each piece, cut side down on t
he prepared baking tray. Bake for 25 minutes.

8
Remove from the oven and serve warm.

*Nut-free Pesto

9
Remove the outer layer from the garlic.

10
Place all ingredients in a food processor. Process on high speed until combined.

God bless you and your family,

Mrs Helen Feeney
Assistant Principal

Religion

Minnie Vinnies Sleepout

The Mini Vinnies students have participated in our SJM Mini Vinnies School Sleepout without sleeping to gain a glimpse of the realities of homeless on a personal level, to raise awareness of the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness and to raise funds to support our local Vinnies homeless services our local community.

On any given night in Australia 1 in 200 people are experiencing homelessness. This figure includes a staggering number of children and young people. You will notice that Vinnies uses the words “expressing homelessness” instead of “homeless person”. It is important to remember that homelessness is something that you experience, not who you are. The ‘hands on’ nature of the SJM Mini Vinnies Sleepout Without Sleeping, develops students’ understanding of the impact of homelessness and provides an opportunity to take action.

Today, Friday 11 August our SJM Community supported our Mini Vinnies students by wearing their PJ’s or a beanie to school to raise funds to support our local Vinnies homelessness services in our community. Simply by giving a gold coin donation to support this important service.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop feast day was celebrated on Tuesday 8 August. St Mary MacKillop was an ordinary woman with an extraordinary dream and a courageous heart. Mary’s dream was to give families and children facing marginalisation, poverty and disadvantage, access to education and safe shelter by opening schools. As a passionate educator, Mary broke through the prejudice of the early 19^th century to educate all – regardless of gender, race, faith or wealth – while ministering to the vulnerable with compassion. She and the Sisters of Saint Joseph went wherever the need was greatest.

At SJM we have a special link with St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph and the Sisters of Mercy.

St James opened in 1862 as a Catholic Denominational school, funding was withdrawn in 1883 and the Sisters of Mercy took over the running of the school.  In 1972 the Sisters of St Joseph took over the running of the school.

If you are looking at the original Charism of the school it actually one of Baptism. Lay baptised Catholic fulfilled their Baptismal duties as priest, prophet and king and taught children as Catholic educators. The government financed the school and paid the teachers.

In 1883, the government withdrew funding. The Mercy sisters who were established in Singleton since 1875, and had a presence in Muswellbrook, took over the running of the school. They saw a need for Catholic education in the community.

In 1972, with the declining numbers of the Mercy Order, the order could no longer staff the school. They asked the Josephites to take over the running of the school to continue the presence of Catholic education in Muswellbrook. The Josephites were asked as they had a significant presence in the Upper Hunter.

Stage 3 lead our SJM community on Tuesday as we gave special thanks for St Mary of the Cross for seeing the challenges and barriers in her time and having courage to do something about it. Let us be led in solidarity by Mary to do the extraordinary and support our brothers and sisters wherever they may be.

For more information about St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph or the Sisters of Mercy and Catherine McAuley

Mrs Jane Jacobs
Religious Education Coordinator

Awards

Class News

ES1

In math this term we have been developing our knowledge of numbers up to 30 and being able to add two numbers to make a bigger number. Kindergarten is working on recognising the difference between teen and ty (20) numbers. We have had to practice what is the number before and after, sometimes we get it mixed up. This is something you can play at home.  Students are getting clever at recognising number bonds to ten. We have learnt lots of new card games to practice all these skills.

Mrs Donna Smith, Mrs Trishelle Threadgate & Miss Shantelle Janik 

Stage 1

Dear Stage 1 Parents and Carers,

Year 1 and 2 have settled back in well to school over the past 3 weeks. 1M, 1G, 2M and 2G have all thoroughly enjoyed getting back into our familiar routines and engaging in fun, positive learning every day.

1G and Miss Fitzsimmons have been very lucky over the past 3 weeks to have Miss Georgia Brimble completing her internship with them. Miss Brimble has 2 more weeks to spend with 1G. We are very lucky to have her as part of the Stage team for the first half of this term.

We would also like to welcome Miss Shantelle Janik to 2G, who is filling in for Miss Becus in weeks 4 and 5. Shantelle’s email is shantelle.janik@mn.catholic.edu.au. Thank you for joining us in welcoming Shantelle.

Stage 1 thoroughly enjoyed SJM’s NAIDOC Day last Friday, in week 2. We cannot express enough thanks to our wonderful Aboriginal Education Teacher, Mrs Thompson, for her leadership, creativity and tremendous effort that she put in to organising such a memorable day. Students enjoyed yarning with Uncle Gary and Kylie, unlocked a new skill by learning how to throw a Boomerang with Uncle Richie, had some yummy bush tucker lunch and enjoyed making scratch art Boomerangs. The Stage One teachers are very impressed with the children’s respectful and keen attitudes they displayed on the day, especially during our smoking ceremony and closing assembly. Congratulations to the Stage 1 winners of the NAIDOC colouring in competition.

As a school, we have increased our usage of the interactive website ‘Matific’ during Mathematics lessons. This is a fun tool your child can use both at school and home – if you wish to introduce Matific to your child’s homework routine, please contact their classroom teacher for their respective login and password.

As always, thank you for your collaboration in your child’s learning. We are looking forward to a busy and successful rest of term.

Kind Regards,
Miss Cooper (2M), Miss Becus and Miss Janik (2G), Miss Fitzsimmons and Miss Brimble (1G), and Mr Sabotic (1M).

Miss Annerley Fitzsimmons, Mr Bradley Sabotic, Miss Rachel Cooper, Miss Claudia Becus 

Stage 2

Stage 2 have had a wonderful first few weeks back. Students had the amazing opportunity to see ASPIRE’s 2023 production “The Pirate Code” at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle. The production was fantastic! All our students should be very proud of their behaviour on the day. We have also celebrated NAIDOC, which was another great learning experience. Students participated in different engaging activities throughout the day, from talks with Uncle Gary Wright and Aunty Wanda, to boomerang throwing with Uncle Richie.

St James’ has also introduced Wacky Wednesdays for the month of August. Kicking off with Crazy Hat Day, there were most definitely some crazy hats out there!

Some pictures have been included from NAIDOC Day and Crazy Hat Day below.

3G Poetry

The students in Stage 2 have been learning about poetry. So far, the students have had a go at writing their own poems and it’s fair to say that some of them have been impressive. Here are a couple of poems written by some of the students in 3G, and especially handpicked by Mr Somerville to feature in this week’s newsletter.

The types of poems students have explored so far are limericks and cinquains.

• Limerick – a nonsense poem that features the same rhyming pattern and syllables on lines 1, 2 and 5, and a different rhyming pattern and number of syllables on lines 3 and 4.
• Cinquain – a type of poem that is 5 lines long and features adjectives, verbs and information about a topic. It has a very unique structure.

3M Cinquains

In 3M we have spent lots of time perfecting our cinquain poetry skills. This week, the children had a go at writing their own cinquain poems and some of the work produced was very impressive. Here are some of our cinquain poems about animals!

Mr Cody Somerville, Mrs Jane Dengate, Miss Gabrielle Dafter, Mrs Jane Jacobs, Mrs Mary Ballard

Stage 3

On Tuesday 8^th August we celebrated St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s feast day with Stage 3 leading the special liturgy for the whole school community. Abi Large acted out the role of St Mary. Readers gave us valuable information about her life and what she accomplished in her life. St Mary was known for her passionate work in helping others, especially the poor and children.

Mary MacKillop’s Story

Mary was born in Victoria to Scottish immigrants. She was the eldest of eight children and spent her early years working to support her family. At the age of 24 she dedicated her life to God and took on the name “Mary of the Cross”.

Along with Father Julian Tennison, Mary opened a school in a disused stable in Penola, South Australia. Her vision was to provide education for underprivileged children. Many other women came to join her there, and Mary and Julian founded Australia’s first religious order: the Sisters of St Joseph.

Mary and the Sisters were committed to serving the poor – to going to where the need was and living amongst those in need. This took Mary all over Australia to many rural areas.

Mary faced fierce opposition throughout her life, which at one point culminated in her being excommunicated. In the face of trial, Mary was a model of forgiveness, insisting no ill be spoken of those who wronged her, while also remaining resolute in her convictions.

Mary was remarkable as a strong female leader in 19th century Australia. Education in this country is what it is today thanks to her dedication and determination.

CANBERRA

Week 8 is approaching quickly for us as we make our final plans and organisation for the trip to Canberra. Thank you to those who returned forms and paid promptly – this makes organising rooms, medications, and responsibilities for those who are supervising the trip much easier and is appreciated so we can aim to make this a memorable excursion.

UPDATES

In English we are studying the rich texts of author Morris Gleitzman – we are enjoying reading the short novel “Misery Guts”. In Drama lessons we are learning how to improvise, act out a scene and create dialogue for scripts. In Sport we are being supported by students from St Joseph’s high school. We also enjoyed the Pirate Code Aspire play and will use the experience to help form our performance piece on the decade 2000- 2020.

REMINDERS

Book week activities in Week 6 (no dress up this year)
Wacky Wednesdays for themed clothing
Thursdays for sport.

Miss Isabelle Lamont, Mrs Melissa McLennan, Mrs Lauren Gehrig, Mrs Helen Feeney, Miss Alyssa Pritchard

Anikanya-Indigenous News

At the end of Week 2 we celebrated NAIDOC at St James’ and learnt more about this year’s theme, ‘For Our Elders’. Our day began with a liturgy followed by a smoking ceremony given by Uncle Gary Wright.

Throughout the day students participated in a scratch art activity, boomerang throwing with Uncle Richie Lawton, traditional Indigenous games, storytelling with Aunty Wanda Smith, yarning with Uncle Gary Wright and learnt about the knowledge Elders pass down from Stage 3 CREST Crew.

During our closing ceremony we had a special performance of ‘We are Australian’ in Yawuru language by Uncle Richie and our SJM didgeridoo players, accompanied by our school choir and Mrs Upton and the Aspect class signing. It was wonderful to have all these groups come together for this musical item.

Finally, the day ended with our annual NAIDOC competition awards. Names are listed below.

We are so appreciative to all our special guests on the day for giving of their time and knowledge to make this such a wonderful cultural experience for our students. Thank you also to Kylie and Lachlan Pascoe for your support and to the team from FFR for getting the Yarning Circle Garden ready for our celebrations.

The bush tucker lunch is always a favourite part of the day for our staff and students and we are so grateful to have had such an organised group of canteen helpers who made this happen so efficiently. Thank you again!

We would also like to thank the National Indigenous Australians Agency who provided funding for this event.

Lastly congratulations to the winners of our annual NAIDOC competition.

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Mrs Tania Thompson
Aboriginal Education Teacher

Leader of Wellbeing

Last term I participated in the action for happiness challenge. I downloaded the app, signed up and spent 10 days focusing on ways to be happier. Yes only 10 days!  I got daily emails suggesting ways to help myself, others and the planet. Now no one can be happy all the time, but it was nice to be reminded that the 10 keys to Happiness I already do. I invite you to have a go and find new and existing ways to be reminded you are a great person; you already do great things and learn some new surprising ways to be the best version of you.

I have included the website you to have a look and a calendar to start some Altruistic ideas.

I hope you are having a splendid day

Mrs Trishelle Threadgate
Leader of Wellbeing

Sport News

Diocesan Athletics Carnival 

Congratulations to the squad of 14 students who travelled to Newcastle to participate in the Diocesan Athletics Carnival last Wednesday. The following students have progressed to the Polding Athletics Championships to be held on Friday 13^th October at Sydney Olympic Park.   
Congratulations.

Mrs Jane Dengate
Sports Co-ordinator

Winnie The Wellbeing Dog

We are excited to introduce Winnie the Wellbeing Dog.

There is extensive research into the benefits of dogs in schools. The effects of support dogs in schools shows a range of benefits including:

• reduced stress and anxiety
• increased school attendance
• increased confidence / self-esteem
• improved learning outcomes. For example, increases in reading and writing levels.
• more positive attitudes towards learning and improved motivation
• enhanced relationships with peers and teachers
• improved social and emotional skills.

Wellbeing dogs (also known as support dogs) are different to Assistance dogs. Assistance dogs work with one person to support them with their disability. Support dogs work with many people to assist in a more general way.

Winnie will receive special training in the coming weeks and months to help her learn about her new role. This training will include a session at school where all staff will become familiar with the commands and expectations required when working with Winnie. She is starting Puppy Preschool this week and we hope to have her on site by the end of this term.

Winnie will live at home with Mrs Gavin and will travel to school with her each day.  She is a Cavoodle cross Toy Poodle so won't grow too big, but will be big enough to run around and play with the kids. Her older brother Milo is a wellbeing dog at St Columban's Mayfield and 3 of her other siblings are also school support dogs in DET schools.

We are very excited about this addition to the SJM family.

Office Of Safeguarding

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has an abiding commitment to promote the safety, welfare and well being of children and vulnerable adults — particularly those who participate in the life of the Diocese as part of our faith communities in parishes, in our diocesan systemic schools, early education centres and out-of-school hours care service, as part of our welfare and community services through CatholicCare and other diocesan ministries.

The office of Director of Safeguarding has been established by decree, issued by the Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle.

The Office of Safeguarding is an integral part of the Diocese, reporting directly to the Bishop’s Office. The Office of Safeguarding is placed outside the Diocese’s services, programmes and parishes, overseeing their safeguarding standards in operation.

The Office of Safeguarding works with NSW Police, the Office of  the Children’s Guardian, the Department of Community and Justice and other statutory authorities and specialist authorities within the Catholic Church in Australia to fulfil its responsibilities and maximise the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

The Office of Safeguarding supports the Diocese to promote and uphold the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as institution of the Catholic Church in Australia.

Valuable information, resources and support can be found at the following website;

Community Notices

St. James’ P & F Association