MAKING SENSE OF THE WORLD
Choosing an education for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
As parents, carers, or grandparents you have the right to offer your child the best available.
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle proudly hosts some of the most outstanding schools in Newcastle, Maitland, the Hunter and Upper Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Manning regions.
Catholic schools offer a unique educational experience that forms the child or young person as a person of integrity, compassion, faith and wisdom. Catholic schools also work closely with their local parish to enhance in students a capacity to make sense of their world, to make judgments and to recognise the uniqueness of others within a faith community.
Each school has a supportive community of teachers, parents, carers, P&F committees, clergy, parishioners, and support staff who work together to focus on students; encouraging success, promoting discipline, supporting creativity and instilling compassion. Catholic schools don’t just teach religious studies; they seek to develop spirit, mind, body and character and cultivate Gospel values that support lives filled with joy, endeavour and hope.
Each Catholic school has a commitment to focusing on each individual child’s ability, offering a unique array of educational, creative, sporting and formation opportunities.
We offer peace of mind to parents. They can be confident they have made an investment for their child’s future. Because of this, and the many opportunities available to students, we believe a Catholic education is the right choice.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE ST JAMES’?
Supported and positive learning
St James’ Primary School, Muswellbrook has a positive education focus across everything we do. We endeavour to provide a holistic and comprehensive educational foundation for all students by nurturing the academic, physical, interpersonal and spiritual dimensions of school life.
With evidence-based literacy programs and a hands-on approach to mathematics, we provide various opportunities for our students to find their individual strengths, in and outside the classroom.
Our dedicated staff strive for excellence and are committed to working with parents and students to provide the highest quality education for each child. We use modelled, guided and independent pedagogies to ensure our curriculum differentiation meets the needs of students and caters for all learning levels.
Students with special needs are provided with interventions, personal plans and activities to meet their individual learning goals. At St James’ we accept difference and work together to provide the best possible education for every student.
CREATIVE PURSUITS
Our students are encouraged to express their creative abilities and talents through a diverse range of cultural opportunities within and beyond the school environment.
We take pride in our achievements at the Upper Hunter Eisteddfod each year, where all students are challenged to engage in creative arts and develop confidence in performance. Participation in the whole school concert allows students to showcase their talents in dance and drama.
A well-developed music program, Musica Viva, allows students to experience in-depth lessons from visiting professional musical performances.
MODERN FACILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY
St James’ features an inviting and nurturing educational environment equipped with modern facilities and up-to-date technology.
Open-plan collaborative classrooms, flexible working spaces, an excellent computer lab, multi-purpose hall, outdoor covered learning area, large playground and playing fields and a fully equipped learning centre with a well-resourced library containing iPads and computers, provide a stimulating and adaptable learning environment for all students.
Our classroom spaces ensure students are provided with contemporary learning experiences suitable for education in the 21st century.
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION
We support Aboriginal students through their education and assist in developing their full individual potential. About 5% of our students identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, allowing us to appreciate and acknowledge the cultural diversity of our students.
We provide opportunities for all students to develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation of indigenous heritage, cultures, contemporary issues and spirituality and promote high expectations of Aboriginal students through quality teaching and learning opportunities.
With the support of our Aboriginal education teacher, students can participate in literacy book swap each year, Community Day, Harmony Day, NAIDOC Week celebrations, Reconciliation and National Sorry Day.
SPORTING PROWESS
The physical education and sports program at St James’ plays a unique role in the social, cognitive and emotional growth and development of our students.
Physical activity habits developed during school years are often maintained later in life, which is why at St James’, we provide a diverse range of sporting opportunities for students. Participation throughout the year in swimming, athletics, cross country, gymnastics, soccer, cricket, netball, touch football and horse sports expose students to skill development.
Students can seek selection in representative sports at differing levels including St James’,
Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan, Combined Catholic Colleges and Polding level. We have a close association with Sporting Schools Australia, which conducts swimming lessons for students to strengthen their skills. Many of our students have notably gone on to represent the Upper Hunter region at the diocesan swimming carnival.
SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES
At St James’, we promote the principles of diversity, social justice and supportive environments, encouraging students to contribute to their school and wider community.
Our active Mini Vinnies group supports the St Vincent de Paul Society through several community initiatives and activities. Students also perform at the local “picnic in the park” each year as well as visit local preschools for the buddy reading program. We actively participate in commemorative services and have lead roles in the Anzac Day service and various other civic services throughout the year, including flag-raising ceremonies.
