Dear friends of St James Catholic College,

Enrolment Term

Over the next weeks of this term we will have two main enrolment focuses:

The first is running presently and is for any Year 7 students for 2025. Towards the end of this month we present to the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office the number of applications that we have for Year 7 next year. Based on that number they determine the number of teachers that we have at our disposal to allocate to our secondary classes. Getting an accurate number early not only allows us plenty of time to plan but also allows us to go to the market to attract the best staff for our secondary classes.

Please help us to attract enrolments into Year 7 in 2026. If you know of any families who have children in Year 6 and are contemplating where to send their child next year for secondary school have them get in touch with us directly at the Front Office or alternatively they can look to our website we're not only we have plenty of information about the college but also a portal to book a tour.

Now, also, we will shift our enrolment focus to Kindergarten enrolments for 2026. Again, an early number allows us to plan effectively for the year ahead. At any stage if you know of any families who have children about to begin the wonderful journey of education please have them get in touch with us.

Your help in attracting enrolments and the positive comments you can make about the college help us immensely.

St James is:

• High expectations and high regard St James received recognition from the state Minister for Education and the Executive Director of Catholic Schools for being the highest performing College in the Catholic system on NAPLAN and well as being in the top 25 performing schools.  This is not an accident, we have a very deliberate and planned literacy program that extends into high school and this we begin a specific numeracy block.  Such a deliberate literacy and numeracy strategy sees our student flourish.  We have high standards in education and have a high regard for our students.
• A small catholic school. St James is a community where everyone knows your child’s name and is committed to their personal growth and individual learning achievement.  
• Affordable. Our fees and levies are kept low, and financial needs are treated confidentially. Please arrange a discussion with me and I will endeavour to respond to any financial needs you may have.
• Accessible. Bus services from St James operate across the Huon Valley.  Just look at the website map of bus routes to see how easy it is to get to St James.
• Supportive. A core teacher in Year 7 is timetabled to your child for Homeroom and a significant number of classes, and they are your first point of contact.
• Engaging. Students experience a wide selection of subjects over the course of Year 7 and 8, enabling them to choose specific ‘elective’ subject areas in Years 9 and 10.

There are many things that go together to make the vibrant catholic community that we are.  I hope that each family sees in action these five elements played out in the way we operate?

College Advisory Board

The College Board is a wonderful instrument of parent perspective within the college. Over my time back in a second stint at St James, I've had the privilege of meeting formally eight times each year with a wonderful group of intelligent, passionate and student focused parents and grandparents who have given up their time to meet on the College Board. Emma Young, who is our board chair, is highly capable at moderating respectful ideas amongst the group that always give me insightful directions to pursue.

We had our first meeting on Tuesday the 25 March.  Here are the members elected:

• Emma Young – Chair

• Mary Haveland – Deputy Chair

• David Brereton – Treasurer

• Jonathon Price – Member

• Kate Moretti – Member

Fr Warren, our parish priest, Esther Song, our Finance Officer, and I make up the other members.

The Board had three major remits of operations in their advice to me: Financial, Policy and Work, Health and Safety.  

The more ideas from a broader range of families the better the outcomes. If you would like to know more please get in touch with Sharlene Duggan at the College Office and she will be able to field your questions.

Every blessing for the fortnight ahead, Joe Sandric

Kind regards,

Joe Sandric

Principal