Week 5 Term 4, 2024

Welcome to the Week 5 Newsletter. As communicated last week, I will be finishing my time at the school this Friday. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at St James School and in Jamestown. I have been privileged to lead the school community for the past four and a half years. I will certainly miss the students, staff and families that I have worked with. I know the school is in a good place, as the school has a very dedicated staff, who care deeply about the students and their families. I am going to miss the school community but I am looking forward to what the future brings for my family and I. Martin Hayes will be the Acting Principal from Monday 18^th November, through to the end of Term 1, 2025. He is currently the Principal of St Joseph’s School, Gladstone. He will lead both schools during this time. I know the school will be in good hands. I would like to thank the school community for your support during my time at the school and wish everyone all the best for the remainder of the school year.

Grandparents' Day

We are excited to welcome Grandparents and Special People to our school this Friday for Grandparents’ Day. The day will begin with Mass at 9:30 AM in the church, followed by morning tea under the trees. Afterward, students will have the opportunity to spend time with their special guest by playing games, reading books, or taking a tour of the school. If your child would like to "adopt a granny" for the morning, we have some wonderful parishioners who would be happy to step in and enjoy the day with your child.

Giving Tree

In Weeks 7, 8 and 9, our Mini Vinnies group will be setting up a Giving Tree for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Donations of non-perishable food items, or unwrapped toys and clothes, can be placed under the tree during the final weeks of school. Your contributions will help make Christmas a little brighter for those in need, while teaching your child the spirit of giving.

Thanksgiving Mass and Year 6 Graduation – Tuesday 10^th December

Our Thanksgiving Mass and Year 6 Graduation will be in Week 9, on Tuesday 10^th December at 6pm in the Church. For those who are new to our school community, it is one of the most important events in the school year. All students and families are expected to attend in their traditional summer uniform (shirts tucked in). As this is a family event, each child must be accompanied by an adult. Students will meet their class teacher in their classroom at 5:45pm. Teachers will bring classes to the Church, and they will sit in their class groups. Each family will be asked to bring a salad to share. Parents and Friends will supply an ice cream for dessert for the children. Meat will be cooked and supplied by the School Board.

• 5:45 – Students to meet class teachers in classrooms
• 6:00 – Mass in Church
• 7:00 – Shared BBQ meal
• 7:30 – Year 6 Graduation in Church Hall, End of year awards and Thank You's.
• 8:00 – Event concludes

If your family is unable to attend, please contact the office staff via email (info@stjames.catholic.edu.au), send a note into the office or phone the school.

SAPSASA Cricket

Last week Hamish S played in the North Eastern Region SAPSASA Cricket Team. They had a very succesful 3 days, winning Division 4. 

Trainings  

• 12th November - Tennis Training @ Crystal Brook 4-5pm 

Carnivals

• 20th - 22nd Novmeber - Tennis State Carnival 

Hots Shots Tennis Carnival - Year 3-6

All Year 3-6 students will head down to the Jamestown Tennis Club this Wednesday 13^th November for a tennis carnival. Our students will be playing against students from other schools in the area. More details have been sent out via Operoo.

2025 Op Shop

The Parents and Friends Committee is already planning for next year and would love to hear your feedback on the possibility of holding a Pop-up Op Shop in 2025. An Operoo note has been sent out to gauge your interest and ideas for supporting this event. We’re hoping to make the op shop even bigger and better next year, and we value your input.

Christmas Gathering

We invite all parents to join us for our End-of-Year Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 3rd, at 6:30 PM at the Railway Hotel. Whether or not you’ve attended meetings this year, we would love for you to come and celebrate the year with us! Please RSVP to the school office or Billie at 0409 691 207.

There is one more Afternoon Whole School Assembly planned during Term 4 to showcase the learning that has been taking place. All parents and grandparents are most welcome to join us. The next assembly date is;

• Friday 22^nd November – Reception / Year 1 Class – 2:40pm

Enrolments are open for the beginning of 2025 and for the 2025 Mid Year Intake. Please contact the school and register your interest and book a discovery school tour.

Children who turn 5 on or before 30th April can begin school in Term 1 of 2025.

Carols in the Park – Sunday 15th December the Jamestown Lions’ Club “Carols in the Park” will be held at 8pm, in the Jamestown Memorial Park. Choir practices will be held weekly, in the Jamestown Uniting Church from 4 to 6pm, starting on Sunday 27^th October. Musicians and singers are most welcome. Guest artists are also welcome. Ring Margie on 0428 818 752 if you have any queries.  We hope to see you there.

YCS dates for Term 4

• 19th November 
• 3rd December