Filter Content
Dear friends of St James Catholic College,
From the whole College Community, past and present, may I extend our prayers and thoughts to Mary Synnott and the whole Synnott family on the death of Jack. Jack was simply a wonderful man.
It was truly my pleasure, as I’m sure others would say, to know Jack. A few years ago I was asked to write commendation for Mary and Jack for their Order of Australia Medal. One of the things I learnt about them was that they ran a canteen out of the Carmel Hall for our May Ball, as well as other catholic functions, to raise money for the College. 
Selfless devotion to his faith and community was the hallmark of Jack, he now is a true saint of the catholic church.
Eternal rest grant unto Jack, O Lord
and may perpetual light shine upon him
May he rest in peace
What is the measure of a good term?
What is a true measure of a successful school term? I suppose there are many variables that come together and could more scientifically measure this however, I couldn't help but stop and think about it on Friday afternoon at lunchtime.
Picture the scene: I was supervising a lunch duty in the location between the MPC and the secondary quadrangle. As I stood at the doorway looking out, there were secondary boys playing basketball in the gym, a group of girls doing netball passing drills, other students just outside the gym playing their own variation of basketball, another group playing handball, grade 4 girls playing half court netball, all while others sat around talking and eating their lunch. On that lovely sunny Friday afternoon, I stood there looking at all the joy and good community around me, and I couldn't help but think this has been a great term.
At about that time, some parents walked past me looking for the office. As I went over to introduce myself they mentioned that they had an appointment to see the principal about an enrollment for their child. I mentioned to them that the principal's office was just at the end of the quadrangle and that he was on duty at the moment but would probably be there soon - and with those instructions they walked past. About 10 minutes later I met them again outside my office and reintroduced myself to them, and while we laughed about our earlier meeting, they were serious when they mentioned how impressed they were to walk through a school where children were sitting and talking, and playing and having fun with one another. At that point I again thought what a wonderful term we have had.
At line up on Monday morning I spoke to the secondary students about the wonderful energy that our teachers have in providing support to them, our students. As human beings we all have a finite amount of energy to give to anything, and our teachers are no different when it comes to teaching; but when I sit down with our weekly bulletin and list my own personal jobs for the week ahead, I can't help but be impressed by the amount of positive experiences our students have at this college. From attending camps to hearing from guest speakers on careers, through to indigenous cultural events and so many other things, our students are blessed by the depth and variety of educational experiences that have been available to them this term. This is absolutely a credit to our teachers, who have put much energy into the positive aspects of the vocation, planning stimulating lessons, having curriculum based incursions and excursions and engaging positively with the students in their class, which is again a measure of the successful term we have had.
Thank you so much staff and students, supported by families, for the fantasic term 1 at Saint James Catholic College. May we continue to thrive over the course of the rest of the year and truly let our light shine and allow others to have their light shine just as brightly.
May Ball
One of the great traditions of our college is the May Ball. For over 85 years people in the Cygnet area that have been associated with our college have come together in the first week of May to devote ourselves to Mary and to dance and be merry.
This year's Bay Ball is on Friday the 10th of May. I encourage as many families as possible to come along with their children and help to make this the wonderful fun-filled community event that it is.
Last year's event was marvelous and marked the first full may ball since COVID. May this year's May Ball be even more marvelous and may you and your family be part of it.
Enrolment Term
Please help us to attract enrollments into Kindergarten and Year 7 in 2025.
Your help in attracting enrollments and the positive comments you can make about the college help us immensely.
Regards,
Joe Sandric
Principal
Important Dates
|
School Holidays |
|
Anzac Day |
|
Term 2 commences |
Term I FLAMES ticket news:
Swimming Age Group Champions
We acknowledge and congratulate the following age group champions from our 2024 Swimming Carnival:
Easter Eggs Hunt
Congratulations
Geeveston Children's Art competition
Prep were thrilled to receive the news that three of their class members had won prizes in the Geeveston Children’s Art competition. Pictured are Zoe Griffiths, Heidi Gasparin and Toby Rigby-Weir.
The theme of the competition was Tasmanian Seasons and everyone in the class submitted entries of a very high standard. We are so proud of our classmates! The winning entries can be viewed in the school office .
Yr 9/10 Pathways program Arbre Forestry Incursion
Year 7 Camp
We're thrilled to share some highlights from last week's Year 7 Deep Time History camp! Our students embarked on an unforgettable journey of learning and exploration at Murrayfield Bruny Island. From engaging educational sessions to captivating adventures, they embraced every moment amidst the stunning landscapes.
Throughout the camp, our young historians had the opportunity to delve into the rich history of North Bruny Island. Witnessing mesmerizing sunrises, encountering local wildlife, and immersing themselves in ancient traditions were just a few of the unforgettable experiences.
Though the camp has come to an end, the memories created will last a lifetime. We're immensely proud of our Year 7 students for their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the trip.
Year 10 visited the Hobart Synagogue
Outdoor Fitness Experiences and Wellbeing
Our Year 7 Outdoor Experiences and Wellbeing Class, concluded their term rotation subject with a Rowing session at the Franklin foreshore. John Driessen and Richard Fuchs skilled the group on land with ergos and a practice skull before they headed out onto the water in a quad. Mr Antcliff, an experienced rower himself, ably assisted each crew throughout the session. The students learned that the most important rule when rowing is to listen carefully to instructions. They also learned that the coxswain helps to steer the boat and motivate the crew. Thanks is extended to Mr Antcliff, John and Richard for helping to provide this valuable experience. Stay tuned for the possibility of after school rowing at the Huon Rowing Club soon.
Design Textiles Sewing Year 7 Rotation
Our Year 7 students have learnt many skills during their Design Textiles Sewing rotation this term - including how to use a sewing machine. Their calico tote bags are nearly ready for use and their hand sewing skills including threading, have certainly improved as the term progressed. Sewing buttons on clothing is certainly not going to be a problem for this group any more!
Parent / Student Communication
Our mobile phone policy is 'off and away all day'. That is, students are to keep their phones switched off and out of sight during school hours. If students are seen using their phones, the phone is sent to the office.
To support your child uphold the policy, please do not call or text them directly during school hours. Should you need to contact your child through the school day, please do so via the school office and your message will be passed on.
SMS Absence Notifications
The College accepts SMS absentee notifications. Please SMS: 0488 863 246 with your child's name, grade and absent reason. Please save this number in your phone for future reference.
Drink Bottles
Please make sure your child brings a drink bottle to school each day.
College Facebook Page / Instagram
Join our College Facebook page just click below or type in: @StJamesCatholicCollege in the Facebook search bar.
Have your childs medical details changed?
A gentle reminder to advise the school if your child's medical details have recently changed. Please contact the College office to ensure your childs details are current.
HUON VALLEY CATHOLIC PARISH
PCYC YOUTH WEEK EVENTS
Community Activities
Cygnet Sea Dragons Junior Soccer club
Cygnet Sea Dragons Junior Soccer club are welcoming new and previous players for the 2024 season.
Girls & Boys aged 6-15 are invited to join us at the Cygnet Primary School Oval on Louisa Street for training.
See our Facebook page or email us for details. cygnetseadragons@gmail.com