Term 3 Week 7 (01/09/2023)

Whats' On?

Dear Parents and Carers

This week I have spent leaning in.

The week started with what we might call a "normal" Monday. Hall to be set up, shared spaces to be negotiated, bills paid, quotes accepted and slides to be tested.

We have had a lovely group of tradies onsite finishing the construction of our playground which is now open.

Tuesday saw a wonderful celebration of learning in the school finals of the Public Speaking competition where I spent the morning "leaning in" to hear with delight the ideas of our students regarding the future, their dreams and things that bring them joy. The standard was very high and many moments of pure joy came from the humour and use of language offered by the children.

We have had parents "Leaning In" this week. From the public speaking to our Dental Health visit from Annie Lippert and our author visit from Renee James. Stage 3 parents leant this week with with an inspiring STEM Mad evening.  And lastly, today having a "shared meal" with Father's Day breakfast.

Staff leaning in to support the children and their learning. Families leaning in to build community and to honour their relationships with their children.

Can you tell I am on Retreat? I've been leaning in to celebrate my faith and all I can see is joy in the community of St James.

Have a great weekend.

Ann

Father's Day Breakfast

Pie Drive

Sport News

Zone Soccer and Netball Carnivals

The Clarence Zone Soccer and Netball carnivals for Stage 3 students are both being held in Yamba next Wednesday 6th September. All information has been sent out on Compass to the parents of students involved. If your child has been selected in either team and you haven't given consent via Compass could you please do so before Wednesday.

The winning school on the day will travel to Grafton in Week 9 to compete against the winners form the 3 other Zones at the Diocesan Finals. Good luck to all those involved.

Netball NSW Schools Cup

Our school Netball team who won the Clarence final of the Netball NSW Schools Cup which was held in Maclean earlier this year, will be travelling to Casino on Wednesday, 13th September, to compete in the Far North Coast Regional Finals day. This is a great achievement from the team to reach this level and Mrs Hancock has had them training hard at lunchtimes in preparation for the day. Information about the day will go out to families involved via Compass early next week.

Sport Dates 2023

Zone Soccer Netball Carnival - Wednesday 6th September

Touch Footy Gala Day - Friday 15th September

Term 4

Polding Atheltics - Friday 13th October  

Dio Summer Sport Trials -Friday 24th  November - Lismore

Little J's News

Today we read books, danced and sang, built with the Lego, dug in the sandpit, drew and coloured in, and made a special (and messy!) artwork to give to each of our dads on Sunday morning. We were also really excited to get to play on the brand-new climbing equipment! Check out Instagram for pictures from our day - @stjamesprimaryschoolyamba

Miss Haines

Stage 2 News

In Stage 2 we have had an interesting few weeks as our new playground has been built outside our window, before our very eyes. We eagerly watched the progress each day and have seen the playground come together. Our highlight was watching Miss Dawson go down the slide! 

We have been very excited to finally get to test it out this week.

In Religion we have been learning about the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Some of our classmates have made these sacraments over the past few weeks and we have been discovering what they are actually all about.

Forgiveness is at the heart of reconciliation and we have put together some thoughts to share:

Slater - We all make mistakes sometimes so we need to learn to be able to ask for forgiveness.

Jake - It takes a lot of strength to admit you have done something bad but once it is over you will feel relieved and free.

Violet - It's important to forgive people from what they've done so it can be fixed.

Dean - God will always forgive us no matter what.

Liam - When we do the wrong thing we should ask for forgiveness.

Ralph - Sometimes it is really really hard to forgive.

Poppy D - God always forgives us if we show we’re sorry.

Remi - Forgiveness can mend things.

Harlan - Sometimes when we do the wrong thing we need to ask for forgiveness.

Duke - We all make mistakes so we need to learn to ask for forgiveness.

Ned - When someone forgives you it makes you feel better.

Ella M - God will always forgive you.

Jensen - There is no limit to the amount of times you should forgive people.

Ava S - Forgiveness can be hard but everyone needs to learn how to do it.

Jacob - Forgiveness fixes friend groups.

Layla - When you say sorry to someone it's like a big weight has been lifted.

Jack J - There's not a number on how many times you should forgive someone, especially God forgiving us.