Newsletter 22 October 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
Our community is in mourning for a wonderful father, husband, brother, son, friend. Although you may not know the family personally, as a former family active in our school, please join us as a Catholic school community in wrapping around Danielle, Kobie, Grace and Lydia Urquhart in love, prayer and compassion with the tragic loss of Aaron this week. While we ask why, we pray, in the words of Isiah, that the Lord, our God, takes hold of their hands and they hear him say "Do not fear, I will help you" (Isaiah 41:13).
Please do not hesitate to reach out to myself, Julieanne Dell'Oro or Tameka Groen should your children need wellbeing support. We are also available to you as parents, be it a cuppa and gathering in the staffroom or grief and loss resources.
Yesterday, our students embarked on an exciting excursion to the Royal Melbourne Zoo, and what a day it was! With perfect weather setting the scene, the experience was nothing short of amazing.
From the moment we arrived, our students impressed zoo staff and visitors alike with their fantastic behaviour. We received several compliments on how respectful, engaged, and enthusiastic they were throughout the day—a true credit to our school community.
The visit was packed with interactive and hands-on learning opportunities. Students explored diverse habitats, observed fascinating animal behaviours, and participated in activities that brought classroom concepts to life. These experiences provided the perfect launchpad for our new Biological Sciences unit, sparking curiosity and inspiring thoughtful questions about ecosystems, adaptations, and conservation.
A huge thank you to our staff and parent helpers for making this day possible. We’re excited to see how this adventure will enrich our learning in the weeks ahead!
Congratulations to Mrs Stewart and her family upon the much anticipated, safe arrival of her first Grandson, Bodie last Saturday. Shivonne will be supporting her daughter and banking lots and lots of cuddles next week and the three school days of Cup Week. We are in the process of securing replacement teachers and will notify the class once these have been confirmed. Enjoy the time with Ella and Bodie Nanny Stewart!
Please note change of date for Christmas Carols on the Green- Thursday December 4 from 3.45pm.
Families and extended family are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy sharing in the Christmas Spirit as a School Community, sharing a celebration of a wonderful year together!
Have a good week,
Bec
Upcoming events
| Monday 27/10 | Book Club Issue 7 Due |
| Wednesday 29/10 | Reconciliation Workshop - 5.30pm St James |
| Friday 31/10 | School Closure Day |
| Monday 3/11 | School Closure Day |
| Tuesday 4/11 | Melbourne Cup Day Holiday |
| Monday 10/11 | Foundation 2026 Transition Session #1 |
RE News
Explore Your Faith Journey. Join RCIA.
Are you curious about the Catholic faith? Do you feel a calling to deepen your spiritual life, or perhaps discover what it means to be part of our Catholic community?
Our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program is a welcoming journey for adults exploring the Catholic Church. Whether you are unbaptized, baptized in another Christian tradition, or a Catholic seeking to complete your Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist and Confirmation), RCIA offers a supportive environment to learn, ask questions, and grow in faith.
Discover God's love and discern your path with us.
For more information, please contact Fr Avinash or Loren Bertoncello
Thank you for your support. Loren Bertoncello
2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival – The ultimate Catholic youth experience!
ACYF is on again. It’s going to be bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever! Join thousands of young people from across the country for Australia’s largest gathering of Catholic youth!! WHERE? Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. WHEN? Sunday AFTERNOON, 30th November to Tuesday EVENING, 2nd December 2025. WHO? Anyone from Year 9 (in 2025) up to 25 years old. WHAT’S IN STORE? Powerful keynote speakers, live music & concerts, interactive workshops, games & creative zones, justice discussions & community vibes, prayer, Mass, and a buzzing expo. Whether you’re searching for meaning, a different community vibe, a new faith experience, or just an unforgettable experience – ACYF is your place to be! INTERESTED? contact your Parish Priest or Parish Office to register your interest.
Sacrament Dates 2025
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Commitment Mass
| Date | Place | Time |
| Saturday 18 October 2025 | St James Nar Nar Goon | 5.00pm |
| Sunday 19 October 2025 | St John's Koo Wee Rup | 9.30am |
| Sunday 19 October 2025 | St Joseph's Iona | 11.00am |
Parent/Child Workshop
| Date | Place | Time |
| Wednesday 29 October 2025 | St James PS Nar Nar Goon | 5.30pm |
| Thursday 30 October 2025 | St John's PS Koo Wee Rup | 5.30pm |
Sacrament of Reconciliation
| Date | Place | Time |
| Thursday 13 November 2025 | St John's Koo Wee Rup | 5.30pm |
Wellbeing Leader
The Resilience Project - Parent Hub & TRP@Home
TRP@Home - Scan the QR code below to access
Sun Smart
St James Primary School is a proud member of the Sunsmart Schools Program.
During Terms 1 and 4, all students are required to wear a hat when outside.
No hat = No play.
Students without a hat will be asked to remain in designated shaded areas during break times.
Scholastic Book Club
ISSUE 7 is here – and it's a big one!
Welcome to this year's BUMPER issue with an additional six pages of must-have reads.
ORDERS CLOSE - MONDAY 27/10/2025
Important Information
Both the PAM and Schoolzine Calendars have been updated with new information.
To access the Schoolzine calendar through the app you will be prompted to enter a password - James4011
This year St James will be using two main platforms of communication with our families - PAM and Schoolzine.
To ensure that you keep up to date with what is happening with your children and within the school please ensure that you have access to these platforms and are familiar with their uses.
If you require assistance with accessing or setting up these platforms, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
From time to time it will also be necessary for emails and text messages to be sent.
Schoolzine App Installation Instructions:
This is an app that you have on your phone and allows for easy reading of the newsletter, as it customises to the screen and translates into many languages if required.
Please click the link below for the instructions on installing the app on your phone.
https://www.schoolzine.com/
As part of the installation, you will be required to enter the following 4 digit passcode -
4011
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions or queries.
Accessing PAM Instructions:
Please use the below link to access your PAM account.
https://pam.stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au
The user name is the email you have provided to the school and if you have not logged on previously, you will be able to set a password.
If you require your password to be reset, please contact the school office.
DS Sports
From the Community
