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Dear friends of St James Catholic College,
"No man is an island." John Donne.
I was reflecting on the homily my parish priest , Fr Mike Delaney, gave on the weekend where he quoted John Donne, the 17th century English poet, who wrote the immortal line “no man is an island”. I found myself reflecting on this quote over the weekend in the light of two interactions that I had during the week.
The first was with a group of grade 7 girls as I was supervising lunchtime duty in the gym. The primary classes had some of the soft toy play equipment out and the girls in Grade 7 were keen for me to give them permission to use it. Of course I said “yes”, so long as that they were sensible, but then they asked the supplementary question, “can we have these out every lunchtime?” To that second question I said, “you'll have to ask the boss of the gym, Mr. Wirtz”. The girls then stated, “but you're the boss Mr. Sandric, surely you can make the decision?” I explained to them that I may be the boss of the school but I'm not the boss of the gym or the gym equipment and that I liked it very much that way. One of the joys of being a staff member here at the college, even the principal of the college, is that you have wonderful colleagues to work with. Sometimes you take the lead while other times, others take the lead. In that way no one amongst the staff, not even me, feels like they're an “island”.
The second interaction was with the staff member. In reflecting on the recent spirituality day that we had as a staff, I mentioned but one of the gifts that the St James Catholic College community has given me over the 14 years that I have had two stints here is to realise that the “Joe Sandric way” is not the only way of doing things. I've found over my time here that listening to others, including staff, students and community members, gives me a much better perspective on how things should be. I've never felt as if I've been on an “island” working at this school because I've always felt as if I have many people of wisdom to ask and to learn from.
John Donne’s quote highlights to us that every person looks to community. Cygnet and St James are no different. The individuals, including myself, are always better for the interactions, the wisdom, the learnings, the friendships and the companionship that we have from others. In a way that is the challenge of our motto, in letting our own light shine we are made even brighter by the lights of others around us.
The May Ball that we celebrate this Friday is a very unique manifestation of this sense of community. Something that began during the Second World War when spirits were down is today, in 2024, just as important in drawing our community together.
My prayer is that we always cherish the community we have, value the ways in which we express it (like the May Ball) and always value the individuals that make up that community. In that way no one at St James Catholic College will ever feel that they are an island.
Master Plan
Last week Mrs Radnidge had the pleasure a convening the second meeting of a select group of students to talk to Adam Martin from the Catholic Education Office and to Miriam Rose from a landscaping consultancy company around our masterplan for the college. As I mentioned in an earlier newsletter, the master plan focused on the development of our grounds leveraging off the wonderful work that Mrs. Ann Foale, one of my predecessors, had done some seven years ago in refurbishing all the classrooms throughout the whole school.
Now the insight of the students has been mapped by Miriam and I’m pleased to share the plans so far which can be viewed in the display cabinet outside the office. If you have any suggestions, please forward them to sjcc.principal@catholic.tas.edu.au as we will be discussing the plans at our next Board meeting on the 21 May.
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.
Prayer Garden
Between the main office and the early years classrooms is a little narrow cavity which is our college prayer garden. It was built some 15 years ago by a class that I taught life skills to. Over the years it's been developed and one very special way that it's been added to is by plaques placed at the back of the prayer garden to remember individuals that were important to our college that have passed away.
My invitation to the community is to ask if there are any people who are dear to you and were members of our college community that you would like added to our prayer garden. If so please e-mail me on sjcc.principal@catholic.tas.edu.au
Regards,
Joe Sandric
Principal
Important Dates
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SJCC Cross Country |
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Eddie Rice Retreats Incursion |
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Live Life Whole Program Incursion |
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King’s Birthday Public Holiday |
ANZAC Day Commemoration in Cygnet: Our School's Tribute:
Blessing of Vans and HUB
Term I FLAMES ticket news:
Living in Lutruwita
The prep class have been learning about lutruwita (Tasmania) pre colonisation. Trish from Nita Education visited the class and showed us a map of the 9 nations of lutruwita and the special features of our land , sea and animals. We even learnt an Aboriginal Emu dance.
The children especially loved learning about oonah the platypus and tarraba the Tasmanian Devil and many of our other native animals.
Mother's day in kinder
Outdoor Education - Rockit
Recently year 9 and 10 Outdoor Education went rock climbing at Rock It indoor rock climbing centre. The students had heaps of fun climbing through the tunnels and learning how to use the auto-belay system.
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.
Little Lights Calendar - Term two
There are lots of wonderful things to see, make, explore and do this term at Little Lights.
HUON VALLEY CATHOLIC PARISH
Houn Valley Youth Writers' Group
Huon Valley Netball Association
This evening, discover exciting umpiring opportunities within our community! Whether you're passionate about netball or seeking leadership roles, this event is perfect for you. Learn more about umpiring, gain valuable skills, and contribute to our community—all while earning some pocket money. All ages, including adults, are welcome!