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On Wednesday the school community came together to observe Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the sacred season of Lent. Ash Wednesday serves as a solemn reminder of our humanity and the call to spiritual renewal. During the Liturgy (K-2) and Mass (3-6), the symbolic ashes were placed on our foreheads to remind us of our shared commitment to humility, reflection, and growth in our faith journey.
Lent, spanning 40 days leading up to Easter, invites us to embrace a season of contemplation, prayer, and self-discipline. It is a time to deepen our connection with our beliefs, give thanks for the blessings in our lives, and focus on acts of love and service to others. Many choose to practice fasting or abstain from certain comforts as a way to grow spiritually and empathize with those in need.
Throughout this Lenten season, let us encourage one another to live with intention, seek ways to uplift our community, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, moments of quiet prayer, or charitable giving, every step we take brings us closer to the spirit of renewal and hope that this season embodies.
We wish everyone a meaningful Lenten journey filled with grace, reflection, and the warmth of community.
Last night, our school hosted a successful Open Night for prospective enrolments. The evening was filled with energy, curiosity, and community spirit as we welcomed families eager to discover what makes our school such a special place to learn and grow.
Every aspect of the event showcased the vibrant learning environment and supportive community we offer. Parents and children alike had the opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our teachers, and experience firsthand the dynamic and innovative approach to education we pride ourselves on.
A big thank you to our Year 5 and Year 6 student helpers. These leaders stepped up to the challenge, guiding visitors with enthusiasm, answering questions with confidence, and sharing their own experiences with warmth and authenticity. Their friendly smiles and professionalism left a lasting impression on our guests and truly embodied the values we strive to instil in our students. We are incredibly proud of our student helpers and extend our congratulations and thanks to each and every one of them. Your efforts played a crucial role in making the night a resounding success, and you have set a wonderful example for your peers. Well done!
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making our Open Night such an incredible experience. We look forward to welcoming new families into our school community and continuing to nurture a love of learning in every student.
At the P&F meeting on Monday evening it was motioned and accepted that the P&F will transition to the new FACE forum. To ensure that the transition is goes very well we need time to finalise documentation and accounts. Therefore, we will not hold an April meeting, but hold a Special General Meeting SGM on Monday, 12th May 2025. This meeting will be held in the Parish Meeting Room at 7pm. An official invitation will be communicated to families at the end of the term.
At this time, we keep in our prayers those regions impacted by the cyclone on the north east coast. May they remain safe and out of harm’s way during this time. Rain is forecast for our region over the coming days, so please stay dry and take care on the roads.
Mrs Sonya Boslem
Principal
Prayer for Pope Francis
As we all know Pope Francis has been very unwell. Please pray for his speedy recovery.
As we enter this Season of Lent, we are not called to do only one, but all three pillars to prepare our hearts for Christ on Easter. As Catholics we take up the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving every year. These practices help us to remember the merciful love and compassion that God shows all people. Participating in these practices, we journey with our community and God and toward the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of our Lord. We do not make this journey alone, we try to live more faithfully to God’s call to be merciful, loving, and compassionate to those around us. Our acts of love through sacrifice and prayer are a tangible witness of God’s love to those around us.
This week’s Gospel comes from Luke 6:27-38
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”
Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ”
Then the devil led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’
And ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.”
During Lent the church often focuses on repentance, resisting temptation, and the passion of Jesus through its scriptural references. This week’s Gospel reminds us that our capacity to repent and to resist temptation comes from our relationship with God and the grace of his deliverance rather than from our own strength and initiative.
Ashes liturgy
On Tuesday Father Joseph came to school for a short liturgy where he burned the palms from last year to make the ashes for the Ash Wednesday Liturgies. Children from across the school helped Fr Joseph to add palms to the kettle before burning them. He blessed the ashes with holy water and prayed a special prayer over the fire. He told the children that God knows what is in our hearts; the ashes remind us to turn our hearts toward God.
The Church gives us Lent as a time to change, to become a better version of ourselves, and to become more like Jesus. The ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday remind us of our call to repent and believe in the Gospel. Ashes are sacramental just like holy water and everyone can receive them.
Ash Wednesday Liturgies
Thank you to Year 2, Mrs Wallington and Mrs Fry who led the Infants liturgy. It was a very reflective and prayerful time which enabled all the children and parents who attended to begin the Lenten Journey in a prayerful manner. Years 3-6 were very lucky to be able to attend mass in the church and we thank Fr Jospeh for making this opportunity possible.
Term 1 Liturgies and Celebrations:
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Week 7: |
Friday 14th March-Parish Mass-Year 3 & 4 |
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Week 8: |
Friday 21st March-Parish Mass Year 1 & 2 |
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Week 9: |
Harmony Day Liturgy at Friday Assembly |
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Week 10: |
Healing Mass-Parishioners |
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Week 11: |
Holy week Celebrations - Thursday 10th April 9:15am Friday 11th April - Parish Mass - Kindergarten & Year 6 |
Sacramental Program 2025
The Sacramental Program for All Saints Parish began last Saturday with the Enrolment Mass. It was wonderful to see so many families gather to support their child through their sacramental journey. This year we have 24 students in Years 4-6 who will be completing the sacramental program. We gathered again yesterday in the Church for the face-to face reconciliation lesson. The children and parents engaged in the lesson and will now continue to prepare at home before the Reconciliation Ceremony on Thursday 27th March. Please pray for these as they prepare for their First Reconciliation.
Project Compassion
Lent is a special time of year. It is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As individuals we can help others, but when we come together though Project Compassion, our good becomes great. Our combined kindness grows. And when we unite with each other – and with people living in poverty – we can create BIG, lasting change. Let’s all Unite Against Poverty! There is no time like 2025.
At St James the Social Justice group will be holding a BIG Water Walk to raise money for Project Compassion this Lent. This will be held on Friday 21st March. Our target will be to walk a combined 14 km across the school. On this day the children will be asked to bring a donation to take part in the activities. Check out the Thermometer in the entrance to the Office area to see how we can support people in Africa, Asia and the Pacific who have to walk long distances to collect clean water every day.
Mrs Patricia Miller
Religious Coordinator
SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025
The Wellbeing Barometer survey has become an essential resource for schools, providing valuable insights into youth mental health and wellbeing. By capturing community concerns and understanding the nature of these challenges, schools are better positioned to support families, foster meaningful conversations, and strengthen relationships.
As part of an ongoing longitudinal study, this survey plays a pivotal role in tailoring support for students and their families. It offers a comprehensive view of students’ experiences, challenges, and achievements over a 12 month period.
By participating in this survey, your school can identify areas of strength, uncover potential concerns, and pinpoint opportunities for early intervention. The survey’s findings enable a deeper understanding of young people’s lives, supporting a more tailored approach to improving mental and emotional wellbeing.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to complete either one or both surveys below, depending on the age of your son or daughter and the school they attend.
We encourage you to complete one survey for each child. There is no limit to how many times you can complete the survey. This will enable you to provide more accurate responses based on individual children.
Please remember, all responses remain anonymous and should reflect observations made over the last 12 months. Survey results are only reported on an aggregated basis.
The link to access the surveys is below;
https://kotarasouth.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au
3 Way Conversations
Thank you to all the staff, students and families who participated in these meetings last week. It was lovely to meet new parents and to reconnect with existing families. Students have worked hard to articulate their goals and will work towards achieving these.
NAPLAN
Next week NAPLAN starts for years 3 and 5. We wish all our students the very best and know they will try their hardest. This is all we ask of them. Please ensure all year 3 and 5 students have earphones and year 5 students have their devices fully charged. The timetable for NAPLAN is:
Wednesday 12th March – Writing and Reading
Thursday 13th March – Conventions of Language
Friday 14th March – catch up assessments
Monday 17th March – Numeracy
GYM
Throughout the remainder of the term classes will learn about the “Grow Your Mind” (GYM) program. At St James’, we believe that education is about academic achievement AND about developing well-rounded individuals who can navigate the complexities of life. We know that when children have the skills of resilience, emotional regulation and perspective, they will do better socially, academically and physically. With the Grow Your Mind program, we aim to provide our students with the tools and resources they need to thrive in all areas of their lives.
Through ‘Grow Your Mind’ we apply an understanding of neuroscience with storytelling to teach students about their brain.
We use animal characters to represent the 5 key parts of the brain to make some basic brain
science accessible, relatable & playful to children. This can help them understand their emotions, behaviours, and learning processes. The animals provide purpose to the Grow Your Mind wellbeing content.
This week we introduced “The GUARD dog” (AMYGDALA)
Its function: keeping us safe, noticing threats & acting as an alarm system
Main Role: The amygdala can detect important changes such as challenges, opportunities, and threats. It is through to trigger the body's fight, flight, freeze or fawn response. It processes emotions such as fear and anger. But also joy too!
The animals are a playful and engaging way to teach children about their brain and some of the core functions. Linking social and emotional wellbeing habits to the brain provides purpose and sparks a child’s interest in topics.
To help implement the GYM program at St James we have given our families access to the Podcasts. In just 15 minutes, each episode combines storytelling, interviews, and humor to help kids understand their mental health and build resilience. This season’s goal is to inspire kindness, create a sense of belonging, and promote positive, respectful relationships. Episode 1 focuses on extending kindness and curiosity beyond your usual friend group. It encourages students to embrace inclusivity and be upstanders in their communities. By fostering emotional regulation and self-control, this podcast empowers kids to make meaningful, real-world connections to their mental fitness and self-worth.
Listening to this podcast with your child can spark valuable conversations about kindness, inclusion, and resilience. It’s a great way to guide your child in understanding the power of empathy and how they can contribute to making the world a more compassionate place.
Enjoy the weekend.
Mrs Debra Petersen
Assistant Principal
| Wednesday 12th March |
NAPLAN Commences |
| Friday 14th March |
Parish Mass 9:15am - Year 3 & Year 4 |
| Thursday 20th March |
School Photos / All students K-6 to be in full summer uniform. |
| Friday 21st March |
Parish Mass 9:15am - Year 1 & Year 2 |
| Tuesday 25th March |
Diocesan Winter Sports Trials |
| Thursday 27th March |
First Reconciliation Ceremony - St Philip's |
| Friday 28th March |
Harmony Day Liturgy and lesson's |
| Monday 31st March |
PUPIL FREE DAY |
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Wednesday 2nd - Thursday 3rd April |
Polding Swimming Championships |
| Friday 4th April |
School Cross Country |
| Monday 7th April |
Out of Uniform Day - Bring Easter Eggs & chocolates for raffle |
| Tuesday 8th April |
Polding AFL |
| Wednesday 9th April |
Regional Touch Football Trials |
| Thursday 10th April |
NSWPSSA Swimming |
| Friday 11th April |
Parish Mass 9:15am - Kindergarten & Year 6 Easter Raffle drawn Last Day of Term 1 |
| Monday 28th April |
First Day Term 2 |
| Friday 2nd May |
Polding Winter Sports |
| Friday 9th May |
Athletics Carnival |
| Wednesday 14th May |
Diocesan Cross Country |
Diocesan Swimming Carnival
The Diocesan Swimming Carnival was held on the 26th of February at the Forum Swimming and Aquatics Centre. Congratulations to the nine children from St James who were a part of the Central Region Team. Competing at this level is a testament to their hard work and dedication to swimming. It's certainly a nerve-wracking experience, and I was incredibly proud of their bravery and sportsmanship.
It was a fantastic day with fears conquered, personal bests surpassed, and even a Diocesan Record broken!
Special congratulations to Isabel for breaking the record in the 10-year-old girls' 50m freestyle. You're an absolute superstar!
Isabel S will also be advancing to Polding for the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, the relay team, and possibly the Individual Medley.
Thomas I placed third in the junior boys' 50m backstroke and will now advance to Polding.
Jonah T will be advancing to Polding for the 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, and possibly the Individual Medley.
Though typically only the first two relay teams progress to Polding, our junior girls' relay team finished with such an impressive time that they have made it through. Congratulations to Viviene C, Matilda E, Charlee S and Isabel S — four very excited girls! It’s simply fabulous.
The Polding Swimming Championships will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Homebush, on Wednesday 2nd – Thursday 3rd April 2025. Good luck and best wishes to all the children involved. We hope it is a fantastic experience for you all.
Diocesan AFL
Today, the Dio AFL trials were held in Teralba. Harry K, Patrick J, Leo D and Harry G attended the trials along with other students from the region. We cannot wait to hear about your experience.
Mrs Tegan Fry & Miss Renee Pettet
Sports Organisers
Book Club News
For the benefit of new families to our school, St James’ participates in the Scholastic Book Club. This means that the children will take home a book brochure once or twice a term; parents can view the brochure with the children and order books through the ‘LOOP’ app or online at www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP. For each issue there will be a date by which the orders have to be entered, I will let you know this via this newsletter/Compass.
The purpose of this program is to promote reading amongst the children. The added advantage of the school being part of this program is that we earn commission from the orders, which help purchase books/resources for the school. We hope that you will support the children and the school in this Book Club venture.
The Issue 2 of Book Club went home this week. The due date for orders is Friday 15th March. All orders must be placed through LOOP online; no orders are to be sent into the school. Below is a link explaining how to use LOOP.
· Value Books in Issue 2:
o #011 Bin Chicken’s Eggcellent Easter $3
o #201 Duck for Cover $3
o #304 Underwater Heist $3
o #401 The First Summer of Callie McGee $3
If anyone has questions or concerns about the ordering process, please do not hesitate to contact me at: sueanne.churches@mn.catholic.edu.au
Mrs Sue-Anne Churches
Library Assistant and Book Club Co-ordinator
The focus of our PB4L lessons will be on being respectful, responsible and resilient in all places, at all times. Each week we will look at what positive behaviour looks like in areas across the school. In Weeks 4 & 5 we will look at respectful, responsible and resilient behaviour on afternoon dismissal line and on the bus. We will continue to use the language of our matrix above, while outlining what this looks like in each area. We would encourage you to also use this language at home.
Kiaras
Last year we reviewed the use of Kiara stickers and the acknowledgement of positive milestones at St James. As a school we are committed to reinforcing positive behaviour within our school under our PB4L matrix. Positive reinforcement acknowledges and rewards students’ efforts and achievements, leading to a supportive learning environment that encourages continuous improvement and active participation.
In PB4L, positive reinforcement can take various forms, such as a thumbs up, verbal praise, or tangible rewards. Earlier in the term all classes were introduced to the Kiara Milestone Rewards that we will be using this year. All staff are focusing on recognising positive behaviour and tracking this through our PB4L app. Students are instantly recognised for displaying positive behaviour. These milestones will reset each year. Many students have already shared this with their parents as they are beginning to accumulate Kiaras and reaching the early milestone of 10 Kiaras.
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) is an evidence-based framework that aims to improve student behaviour and academic outcomes by promoting positive behaviour and creating a supportive school environment. The key principles of PB4L include:
- Clear Expectations: Establishing clear, consistent behaviour expectations for all students.
- Teaching and Reinforcing: Explicitly teaching and reinforcing positive behaviours.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data to monitor progress and guide decision-making.
- Collaborative Approach: Involving the whole school community in promoting positive behaviour.
Through PB4L, we focus on recognizing and rewarding positive behaviour, which helps to create a positive and inclusive school culture. This approach not only reduces disruptive behaviour but also enhances students' social-emotional skills and academic performance.
Mixed Peer Groups for Instruction
In addition to PB4L, commencing Week 6 we will implement the use of mixed peer groups for instruction across grades K-6. Mixed peer groups involve grouping students of different ages and stage groups together for certain instructional activities. This approach offers several benefits:
- Peer Learning: Our Year 6 students will mentor and support younger peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Diverse Perspectives: Students are exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences, enhancing their understanding and critical thinking skills.
- Social Development: Mixed peer groups promote social development by encouraging positive interactions and relationships among students of different ages.
- Differentiated Instruction: Instruction can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, providing opportunities for individualised learning and growth.
By combining PB4L learning in mixed peer groups, we aim to create a holistic and supportive learning environment that promotes positive behaviour and academic excellence. We believe that these initiatives will help our students develop the skills and attitudes necessary for success in school and beyond.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our PB4L initiative and mixed peer groups, please feel free to contact Mrs Miller or Mrs Boslem.
Coming up later this term on the 31st March there is a Pupil Free Day scheduled to work with Rob Vingerhoets School Improvement Focus in Mathematics. This day will be the culmination of three productive years connected with Rob in improving Mathematics practices and assessment across the school.
School Fees
School Fees were emailed last week from the Catholic Schools Office. Please contact the school if you did not receive.
Please note:
- 2025 School Fees are invoiced for the full school year. School Fees for Year 6 also includes their Canberra Camp and Sport Shirt.
- If paying fees by instalment, your weekly, fortnight or monthly frequency needs to commence in March, and fees are to paid in full by 30 November
2025. Please let the office know if you would like assistance with the calculation. - If paying fees ‘in full’ as one payment, please finalise prior to 30 June 2025.
- Our preferred method of payment is either BPay or direct debit.
- For Fee Payers wishing to establish a new Direct Debit, please complete the form on the Catholic Community Fund website www.CDFmn.com.au.
- For those families experiencing financial hardship, or wishing to discuss other payment arrangements, please contact the school office to arrange an
appointment with the Principal.
If you are a Healthcare/Pension Card holder, the following 2025 Fee HCC Discount Application Form is required to be completed and returned to school with a copy of your Health Care/Pension Card for a discount on your Tuition fees. Can you please return as soon as possible.
Thank you and kind regards
Carolyn Hanley
Canteen
There has been Food Safety Changes for all school canteens. If you are a volunteer in the school canteen the below online course needs to be completed, can you please follow the below link to ensure compliance of the new NSW Government Food Authority Standard 3.2.2A. Once this has been completed, can you please email your certificate through to admin@kotarasouth.catholic.edu.au
https://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/training/food-handler-basics-training
Volunteers
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, we really appreciate your time. If you would like to volunteer and haven't registered, please click on the link below and submit your forms. Once you have clearance the CSO will contact us to advise you have been cleared to volunteer.
https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/people/volunteer/
Playgroup
Easter Raffle
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we settle back into the routine of school for 2025 a gentle reminder to all parents regarding Morning Drop Off and Afternoon Pick Up routines. Grayson Ave, Vista Pde and Princeton Ave are all very busy streets and I thank you all for understanding and patience as we continue with construction works.
- Parents using the Kiss and Drop Zone are to go to the end of Princeton, turn and come back down to the area. Please do not U-turn on the crest.
- If crossing Vista Parade, please use the Crossing in front of the Hall.
- Parents are asked to not drive into the private road of the units on Vista parade to drop off in the morning.
- Parents dropping off and walking children into school, please park away from intersections, hold your child's hand, check for cars and cross the road in a safe area. This may mean that parents park several blocks away and walk to the entrance.
- Please abide by the road rules and not park within 10m of an intersection. Parking too close to the intersection obstructs vision and buses are unable to turn into side streets.
- Do not park/ or drop off in No Stopping Zones.
- If collecting from Parent pick up in the afternoon, please ensure that your child/ren stay with you at all times especially on the curb side of the road.
- Students walking towards Nesbitt Park have been reminded that they are not to walk along side of the drain. Parents are encouraged to meet children on Vista and walk around to Grayson Ave to Nesbitt Park.
We are all committed to keeping our children safe. Rangers and NSW Police also patrol the area on a frequent basis, so I encourage all families to please take extra care on the roads around the the school. Please take extra care to not park across driveways.
We ask that the children do not climb in the trees in the area at parent pick up. This is a WHS risk and the some of the trees have lost excess bark and it is important that we care for our beautiful environment.
Mrs Sonya Boslem
Principal
St James’ will celebrate Harmony Day on March 28th. This special day promotes inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for all Australians, embracing diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds while uniting us through shared Australian values. Our celebrations will involve:
- Each student and staff member will receive an orange ribbon bow to wear on the day.
- Classroom activities.
- Harmony Liturgy during Assembly 2:00pm.
Mrs Clare Miller
EALD Teacher
Thank you to our parents for the support and value that you place on your child being at school each day. Regular school attendance plays a critical role in ensuring that every student has access to the same learning opportunities. When students are not at school, are late to school or leave school early, they are missing out on so much that can impact on their future learning.
The following Attendance Guidelines are based on current legislative requirements, research on attendance and best practice.
✔ Attendance affects a child’s academic achievement and their overall wellbeing.
✔ There is NO safe threshold of absence – everyday counts.
✔ School attendance patterns are established early in a child’s schooling
✔ The effects of school absenteeism accumulate over time and affect children’s development now and into the future.
✔ Daily punctuality is important. The early part of each day is critical. Important learning is scheduled during this time when children are rested and receptive. Key concepts are built up in the time.
✔ Sporadic absences can affect academic achievement as much as absences over consecutive days.
✔ We ALL need to work together with our children’s best interest in mind to ensure that students are at school every day that they are well enough to attend.
Compass Unexplained Absences
Unexplained absences are required to be explained within 7 days of the absence on Compass. A weekly email will be sent to parents to alert of any unexplained absences that can be updated on Compass. Please note that if the absence is longer than 7 days, the absence is then unable to be explained by parents or school.
St James’ Primary School is committed to providing a positive, safe environment for all staff and students. There are occasions, however, when members of our school and wider community are concerned about something happening at the school that may appear to be unsatisfactory or unreasonable.
In the first instance, please contact the school to discuss any types of grievance resolution as the first point of contact to help with these matters.
Additionally, the Catholic Schools Office has formal written protocols in place to address complaints and grievances. These protocols are in line with the Diocesan Complaints Resolution Policy, developed to provide a consistent approach for all diocesan schools. The complaints policy aims to address the concerns of parents and carers and the wider community. These concerns may include children’s learning, behaviour and welfare, school organisation and management, student health and safety issues.
To lodge a complaint with the Catholic Schools Office please click here.
You can access the Catholic Schools Office Complaints and Resolutions Policy and resources here.
These links and resources are also available on our website under the Parent Information/Complaints Resolution tab.
We ask that parents and carers follow these guidelines and take the appropriate steps in resolving any issues. All members of the St James’ community are asked to remember that using other channels such as social media to voice complaints and grievances is not the appropriate method when issues arise.
