Week 7, Term 4

Welcome to the Week 7, Term 4 newsletter. It is hard to believe there is only three weeks left of the school year.

Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of spending most of the day with the Junior Jimmies children. This was their 9th and longest transition session with us so far, as they were at school until the end of lunchtime. In the morning, our Junior Jimmies played with building blocks and learnt how to use bee bots (the start of coding). They then spent time in the Reception Class completing alphabet activities and colouring in. After visiting the Reception Class they watched the Year 3/4 Class using drones, then had story time. After recess, Mrs Wardle made Christmas Crowns with them and then they rejoined the Reception Class for Maths, where they used blocks to measure how long many items were. We look forward to seeing the Junior Jimmies this Wednesday for their final and full day transition before they start school next year. 

Next Wednesday, 6th December two of our new 2024 teachers will visit. Mr Zack Taylor will spend time with the 2024 Year 4 Class and Miss Georgia Parisotto will spend time with the 2024 Year 5/6 Class. We look forward to hosting them this week.

This Wednesday, our Year 5 students will have the opportunity to present their speeches for the role of School and Sports Captains for 2024. This will take place after lunch in the Learning Centre.

End of Year Special Assembly – Carols

On our last day of school, Thursday 14th December, each class will perform carols. All parents are welcome to join us at 2:30pm to sing along. We look forward to seeing you there.

Student Reports 

Student reports will be sent home on Wednesday 13th December (Week 9). If you have any questions or concerns, please organise a time to meet with your child’s teacher before the end of the year. 

Volunteer Catering with Nickie Mead

Six students from the Year 5/6 class gave up their time to assist as waitstaff during a lunch for Kavanagh Catering on Monday 13th November. The event was held at the Jamestown Football Clubrooms, coordinated by Malcolm and Margaret Sparks. The lunch was for individuals that are widowed, have no family or are elderly.

The initiative shown by these students on the day was commendable and we have received many appreciative comments on how they conducted themselves. In the true spirit of St Vincent de Paul, the students and parent helpers, Tammi and Jodie, decided that the money they would have been paid to undertake the work, will go towards buying gifts and under the St James Giving Tree for children in need. Thank you to Kavanagh Catering for the opportunity this provided for our students. It was an invaluable experience for them.

New Emu Crossing for St James School

Works on the new Emu (pedestrian) Crossing on King Edward Tce are progressing well. The upgrade to the underground drainage has been completed and works on the new crossing, footpaths and guttering are taking shape. The works should be finished in early December. I ask that the school community continues to be patient while this occurs, as parking at the front of the school is affected. Please observe the speed signs for safety and to help keep the dust down.

Illnesses at School

Unfortunately, the illnesses that have trouble many of our students have continued to spread. Illnesses include conjunctivitis and gastro. If your child/ren are unwell, please keep them at home. Both conjunctivitis and gastro are very contagious. If your child has conjunctivitis they must stay away from school while they have discharge from their eyes. If your child has had gastro, they must be excluded from school until no vomiting or diarrhoea has occurred for a period of at least 24 hours. Children will be reminded to practice good hygiene including handwashing and minimising the need to touch their face.

Staffing Update and Class Structures for 2024

Specialist Subjects and Teachers for 2024 have been made and these include;

AUSLAN - Mrs Sandra Gresch
Health and Physical Education – Mr Jed Sutter
Music with Mr Paul Gibson (with Mr Wrobel supervising) – Term 1

Mr Evan Wrobel to teach one specialist subject in each class during Term 2-4

P & F Christmas Dinner

All are welcome to attend the St James P & F Christmas dinner on Wednesday the 6th of December at the Railway Hotel Jamestown for a 6pm start.

Ginger Bread House Orders

Thank you to all who supported our last fundraiser of the year. Orders have been sent off and ginger bread houses will be available for pick up during the last week of school. A text message will be sent out closer to the time with and exact date.

Op Shop Drop Off

SAPSASA Tennis

Last week, Ethan and Hugh S travelled to Adelaide to compete in SAPSASA Tennis. Unfortunately the weather provided a challenge for the students and they were washed out on the first day, but were able to play some games on the second day. Despite the rain, it sounds like both students had a fun time engaging with other students from the North Eastern district and finished 5th overall. Well done boys.

Embrace Kids Screening

On Tuesday last week, we gave our Year 3-6 students the opportunity to watch and engage with the Embrace Kids documentary, by Taryn Brumfitt. We were so pleased that Year 3-6 students from JCS were able to join us and share a common ground on encouraging positive body image within the Jamestown community. Thank you to Mrs Taylor and Mrs Hunt from JCS for bringing the students across. We look forward to continuing this learning within all our classrooms.