2011 Annual School Report - Catholic Schools Office Maitland ...

2011 Annual School Report
St James’ Primary School, Kotara South
Vista Pde
Kotara South, Newcastle 2289
http://ktaras.mn.catholic.edu.au/

Principal’s Message
Principal
It is with great pleasure that I present to you the Annual Report, 2011, for St James’ Primary School Kotara South.
St James’ is a Catholic Co-educational Years K – 6 Systemic School in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. We take great pride in
the fact that we are a Catholic school, a Catholic community that expresses the values of Christ throughout the curriculum and the
general life of the school and as an important member of All Saints Parish Blackbutt South. This foundation for our school is
expressed in so many ways, a number of which are highlighted in this report.
2011 was a very eventful year at St James. With the Opening and Blessing of our School Buildings through to the celebration of 50
years as an educational institution serving the community, focussing on what we had recently achieved and in our past. Our Mercy
heritage played a significant role in this and our Stage 3 students visited St Catherine’s Singleton to further explore the roots of our
school.
Our school building program at St James was now complete and the students, staff and parents could reflect on what we had
achieved. Our blessing of the buildings by Father Bill Burston and official opening by Ms Sharon Grierson, Federal Member for
Newcastle in early April allowed us to celebrate the past four years of construction, renovation and renewal. It was an opportunity
to acknowledge the fabulous support of the staff, students, parents and local community in ensuring that quality teaching and
learning was continuing to occur within the school throughout this busy time and to formally thank the Federal Government, the
Catholic Schools Office and the St James P&F for their financial support throughout this period.
The highlight of 2011 was the celebration of our 50 years as a school. A week of festivities was held in September commencing
with a traditional school picnic on the Sunday where past families, staff and students met with current families, staff and students to
share a picnic in the school grounds. This was followed by a fundraising day in keeping with our Mercy traditions. Our School Mass
on the Friday was a wonderful Eucharistic acknowledgement of all that we have been blessed by throughout the 50 years in
Garden Suburb (our original site) and now Kotara South. Following mass we held our 50 year concert where our Mercy Sisters
traditions were highlighted and it was extremely special to share this concert with the Mercy Sisters, especially past Principals and
staff and Sister Mary Cordula, our first School Principal. The week of celebration was completed with a Trivia Night which raised
significant funds for improving educational resources throughout the school.
We are blessed at St. James with a dedicated and caring staff and a hard-working and very committed Parents and Friends
Association. Our school had many opportunities to celebrate the great community spirit that pervades the structure of St. James
and our Welcome BBQ continues to give us a great start to the year. Our annual Golf Day is also a much anticipated social and
fundraising event drawing together our business and parental community.
2011 started in a very sad way with the sudden and unexpected death of Nicola Geary, a Kindergarten mum. Although much grief
gripped our community I was extremely proud of the way our School Community responded in support of the Geary family. A
Mothers’ Dinner was held from which the Nicola Geary Memorial Fund was established. This fund will be used in our school
community to support families experiencing loss or great difficulty within their lives. Further Mothers’ Dinners will be held on an
annual basis to support the Nicola Geary Memorial Fund.
I commend this report to you as it documents some of the many achievements at St. James in 2011, achievements of which we are
justifiably proud.
Peter Bowen
P & F
St James is a vibrant school community, where teachers and parents work in partnership to achieve the best spiritual and
educational outcomes for students. The parent body is highly involved in school and parish life. Our school is proud of our P&F
Association, which is well attended each month, with usually 20 – 30 parents in attendance. In 2011, the St James School
community hosted the Diocesan P&F family fun day, which was a great success. A recent P&F initiative has been the
establishment of a welfare fund to help members of the school community in times of need. This fund has been called the Nicola
Geary Memorial Fund, named after a young Kinder mum who passed away at the beginning of the school year. Each year an
event for mothers will be held, with proceeds going into this fund. Parents were also an integral part of the St James 50 year
celebrations. Families took part in all of the celebrations and hosted a very successful trivia night, one of the many successful
ANNUAL S C HOO L REP ORT 20 11 2

fundraising events held throughout the year. Other highlights were the Golf Day, Easter Raffle and Mother’s Day Stall. These
fundraising events have enabled us to support important initiatives within the school such as the Green team, provide books and
other school resources, make contributions to the Year 6 farewell activities and provide fencing for the back area of the school.
The St James P&F has also been actively advocating for the safety of our students with the Newcastle City Council safety officers
and with State member Andrew Cornwell, which resulted in the school crossing being moved to a safer location. We continue to
advocate for a school crossing supervisor. St James P&F sends two delegates to the Diocesan Federation of P&F Associations.
Parents and families actively support the pastoral works of the parish community.
Many thanks to all parents who have attended the monthly meetings, volunteered within the school, assisted with fundraisers and
provided support to the teachers as they nurture the spiritual and academic growth of our children. Thank you also to Peter, all the
teachers and staff for allowing us as parents the privilege of partnering them in the education of our children.
Giavanna Angeli
P&F President
Student Leaders/SRC
A long time ago, 39 little people named were a little nervous and very excited as they arrived for their first day of Kindergarten at St
James Primary School. We were greeted cheerfully by our big buddies who helped us through the first weeks of ‘big school’. We
were well looked after by our teachers Mrs D’Andrea and Mrs Wallington and were treated to more than a lolly or two from their
famous lolly jars. We patiently waited for our turn to be ‘Star of the Week’ and we performed Jack and the Beanstalk at the Cluster
Festival. We went on an excursion to Woolies to buy ingredients to make pizza and we enjoyed music lessons with Mrs Hopkins.
We said goodbye to our friend Maihi and welcomed our friend Jacob K to our school later that year. The following year in Year One
we read lots of stories, looked forward to show and tell and had lots of fun with our daily fitness circuit, reading groups and maths
groups. We took excursions to the Reptile Park and the worm farm and once again, those jellybean jars brought out the very best
in us! In Year 2 we received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We played lots of maths games, visited Happy Healthy Harold and
participated in our first swimming carnival. We also had Intensive Swimming lessons at Charlestown Pool. We went on excursions
to Sydney Wildlife World and the Powerhouse Museum. In Year 3 we travelled to Glenrock Lagoon and the Wetlands Centre where
we caught fish and tadpoles. We received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. We grew vegies in little pots and
learned about Canada. In Year 4 we battled the ticks at Wangat Lodge on our first ever overnight excursion. We also received our
pen licences and tried hard to earn groobles for extra rewards. We performed ‘Where the Wild Things Are’. In Year 5 we moved
into the new classrooms out the back. We learned about government, Japan and Vietnam and learned to cook with the Vietnamese
sisters. We travelled to Canberra for two nights, prepared for our role as leaders, enjoyed Buddy Training Day and met our Kinder
buddies for the very first time. This year we attended Leadership Camp, the Jewish Museum and went searching for gold for three
days in Bathurst. Some of us have enjoyed being a part of the Green Team and cultivating vegetable gardens. We have enjoyed
dance classes, the Science and Engineering Day, the 50 th Anniversary Celebrations of the school and of course, the highlight for all
of us, three days at The Great Aussie Bush Camp.
As we, and our fellow classmates, reflect on our time at St James it is obvious that we have had the privilege of spending our
primary school years in a stimulating and supportive environment. We have mentioned here just a few of the experiences that we
have had, experiences that have helped to shape us and prepare us for our future as we continue to grow and learn. We will
always be grateful to our parents for the opportunity to be a part of the St James Community.
On behalf of all of the Year Six leaders we would like to thank all of the teachers, support staff, Mr Bowen and Fr Greg who have
loved us and supported us over the years. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of being your school captains this year and thank
you for the friendships, that all of us in Year 6 share. We will cherish the memories always.
Laura and Isaac
It has been a privilege to have been the House Captains for 2011. We have had great experiences cheering for our houses at
carnivals and being able to help the other students at St James. We have had lots of fun and we have enjoyed our new and
organised sport shed! We hope that the House Captains next year have as much fun as we have had. Good luck to the new
houses of Wattle, Waratah, Banksia and Blue Gum. Thanks again for making our last year at St James’ very special.
Your House Captains for 2011, Emma, Mason, Erin, Miles, Lilly, Bailey, Tom and Grace
Speeches presented at the Year 6 Rite of Passage Ceremony, December
2011
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Religious Dimension and Culture of School Life
Catholic Identity
St James Primary School had its origins in Garden Suburb where it began on 31 st January, 1961. Two Sisters of Mercy ran the
school in a building which was originally the operating theatre from the Greta Migrant Camp. Numerous changes have occurred to
the school over the years, culminating in the formation of St James in its present setting in 1981. Since then, the site has
experienced numerous changes. 2010 saw the completion of new building works comprising two classrooms, an administration
building and school hall. St James forms an integral part of the All Saints Parish encompassing Kotara South, Cardiff and
Adamstown.
We, as a school community acknowledge the Awabakal People as the traditional owners of this land. The acknowledgement of
Country at Monday morning assemblies emphasises the school’s respect for the Awabakal and other indigenous peoples. This
has become part of the daily culture of the school.
2011 was a very exciting year for St James as the school’s 50 th Anniversary was celebrated. A moving liturgy was celebrated
followed by a concert presentation in the school hall. Past & present school community members attended. The focus of the
concert was the establishment of the school by the Sisters of Mercy and the many changes witnessed throughout the fifty years.
The School as part of Parish and Diocesan Life
St James forms an integral part of the All Saints Parish encompassing Kotara South, Cardiff and Adamstown. The school is
positively promoted at Parish level, where a close collaboration and connection is evident. Parish involvement in school life is
highly valued and a great sense of community exists.
St James hosted the Diocesan Fun Day, organised by the Diocesan P&F. Bishop Michael Malone & Mr Ray Collins were judges in
a cook off as a variety of chefs from different parishes prepared and cooked rissoles. Helen O’Neill, PDHPE Curriculum Adviser
from the CSO, provided fun games and entertainment throughout the day. Teachers and staff from St James cooked the
barbecue, complemented by a variety of salads prepared by parishioners. The day was well attended by staff, parents and children
all of whom had a great day.
The ordination of Bishop William Wright was a highlight of 2011 and was attended by the Principal and School Leaders. St James
was delighted to be informally visited by Bishop Bill during a Friday afternoon “Weekly Assembly”.
Stage Masses were celebrated during Term 3 as part of Friday morning weekday Parish Masses. The link between school and
parish was also highlighted as a result of School / Parish Masses conducted on weekends during Term 4. The Infants, Stage 2 &
Stage 3 classes each took responsibility for the preparation, organisation and celebration of a Saturday evening Mass. The school
fully supports the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society through fundraising efforts, evidenced by the generous Food Baskets and
cash donated prior to Christmas.
A Mini- Vinnies group continued to support the Parish St Vincent de Paul Society. This group comprises children from Stage 3.
The Parish Sacramental Program is supported through the school Church. Religious Educational programs are taught
concurrently with Sacramental programs, both supporting and reflecting the doctrine of the Catholic Church. Many staff members
assist with Sacramental Programs and Children’s Liturgy activities during Vigil Masses.
The P&F Association are very active and involved in school life. 2011 started in a very sad way with the sudden and unexpected
death of Nicola Geary, a Kindergarten mum. A Mothers’ Dinner was held from which the Nicola Geary Memorial Fund was
established. This fund will be used in our school community to support families experiencing loss or great difficulty within their lives.
Further Mothers’ Dinners will be held on an annual basis to support the Nicola Geary Memorial Fund. A parent forms a Diocesan
Delegate on the Diocesan Council. The Assistant Principal was a presenter at the Diocesan P&F Pearls of Wisdom Conference,
conducted at Port Stephens.
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Teaching of Religion
St James comprises a staff of teachers well qualified and accredited to teach Religious Education.
The school implements the Diocesan K-12 Religion Syllabus. Each class has structured and integrated lessons that assist in the
development and understanding of our Catholic Faith with all classes timetabling RE as a priority. So too, lessons are integrated
across other Key Learning Areas and use information technology, wherever possible. Guest speakers are also organised to
address different stages according to syllabus requirements.
Stage 3 children attended an excursion to Singleton to learn about and explore the origins of the Mercy Sisters in Australia. They
visited the convent and had an opportunity to participate in a variety of enriching activities related to the history of the Sisters,
particularly the life of Catherine McAuley, leading to the establishment of St James as a Mercy School. The excursion formed part
of the RE unit of work on the local Church as well as establishing a foundation for the celebration of the school’s 50 th birthday.
During 2011, Year 6 children participated in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Religious Education Literacy Assessment. The
children from St James achieved outstanding results in the assessment.
Special celebrations related to the Church seasons, sacramental programs and liturgies involving all members of the school
community are held on a regular basis. So too, Stage Masses are celebrated each semester in addition to the Sacrament of
Reconciliation during the Lenten Season. Instruction Masses are celebrated during Term 4 whereby children are provided with
explanations about the parts of the Mass during the Liturgical Celebration. Father Greg Arnold, Parish Priest fully supports and
endorses the teaching of Religion at St James.
Retreats and Faith Development Programs
Teaching staff attended a faith development day led by Roger Peters. The Principal attended a 3 day retreat, The Gathering, at
Bombah Resort, Bulahdelah. Year 6 children attended a leadership camp / retreat at the commencement of the year whilst Year 5
students were involved in a leadership day, conducted by Mark Spencer, during Term 4.
Values (including Social Justice Initiatives)
The St James School Community promotes values of respect and responsibility through several awareness and fund raising
activities organised by teachers, parents and children. During 2011, the school raised funds for Catholic Mission & Caritas
Australia. Mr Richard Cootes, Mission worker & staff member at St James, provides ongoing opportunities for reflection and action
throughout the year. In particular, a Mission Day was held on the Feast of Saints’ James & Philip, organised by the senior students
and supported by all students, staff & parents. The 2011 Mission Day raised funds for an orphanage in Guatemala that provides
medical aid, education and a proper diet to many needy children. The Year 6 School Leaders organised the collection of donations
each day contributing towards Project Compassion during the Season of Lent and Caritas at other times of the year. A Mini-
Vinnies program continued to provide support to the local St Vincent De Paul Society, involving a group of volunteer children from
Stage 3.
Toward the end of the year, food and toys were donated to St Vincent de Paul as part of the school’s commitment to caring for
those less fortunate in our Catholic community. Children from Stage 3 assisted parishioners during the Christmas holidays in the
preparation of the Christmas baskets. The Staff also opted to make donations in lieu of exchanging Christmas gifts at the end of
the Year. These funds were also presented to St Vincent de Paul.
Policies
Enrolment Policy
St James Kotara South follows the guidelines provided by the Catholic Schools Office Policy Enrolment (Amended 2008). The
Policy has been devised to accommodate, as far as is possible, the needs of families seeking a Catholic education. In situations
where enrolments have to be restricted because of limitations on capacity, preference may need to be given to children of Catholic
families, as defined in the Policy. Implementation of the Policy is via our local school Enrolment Committee which has discretionary
authority in keeping with Diocesan guidelines. Copies of the Policy are available from the school, or from the Catholic Schools
Office website (cf end of Report). Parents concerned about school fees should ensure they make contact with the school. Diocesan
provisions (including standard discounts for those with a Health Card) exist to help in this area, and the Principal can also exercise
discretion where genuine need exists.
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Student Welfare, Pastoral Care & Discipline
The St James Discipline & Pastoral Care Policies outline the procedures for classroom & playground behaviour. The school also
implements Program Achieve – You Can Do It as part of its Personal Development program.
Policies were created in the following areas during 2009; Procedural Fairness, Management of Complaints and Grievances and
Anti-Bullying. During 2012, St James plans to incorporate these three policies with Pastoral Care and Discipline that will reflect
the context of the school.
The policies are available upon request from the Principal or Executive.
Student Achievements
Academic Achievements
Year 6 children completed the Diocesan RE Literacy Assessment, achieving outstanding results. Stage 3 children also participated
in the Diocesan Debating Competition in addition to a regional enrichment day. Year 6 children attended a Science & Engineering
Challenge
Numerous children from Year 2 to Year 6 participated in the UNSW Maths, English, Spelling, Writing, Science & Computer
competitions.
Performance in National Tests
Band 6 and Above
Band 5
Band 4
Band 3
Band 2
Band 1 (includes
exempt)
NAPLAN Program 2011 - Year 3
Percentage in Skill Band
Reading Spelling
Grammar &
Punctuation Writing Numeracy
St James' Primary School Kotara South 36.1% 41.7% 30.6% 13.9% 10.8%
National Performance 24.2% 18.1% 26.7% 15.9% 13.3%
St James' Primary School Kotara South 38.9% 27.8% 33.3% 63.9% 24.3%
National Performance 20.8% 22.6% 21.6% 30.2% 19.9%
St James' Primary School Kotara South 13.9% 19.4% 22.2% 19.4% 32.4%
National Performance 21.2% 24.7% 21.0% 29.1% 27.3%
St James' Primary School Kotara South 11.1% 11.1% 5.6% 0.0% 27.0%
National Performance 17.3% 17.7% 15.0% 14.5% 23.8%
St James' Primary School Kotara South 0.0% 0.0% 2.8% 0.0% 5.4%
National Performance 10.4% 9.7% 8.8% 5.3% 11.4%
St James' Primary School Kotara South 0.0% 0.0% 5.6% 2.8% 0.0%
National Performance 6.1% 7.2% 7.0% 5.0% 4.3%
Band 8 and Above
Band 7
Band 6
Band 5
Band 4
Band 3 (includes
exempt)
NAPLAN Program 2011 - Year 5
Percentage in Skill Band
Reading Spelling
Grammar &
Punctuation Writing Numeracy
St James' Primary School Kotara South 18.2% 33.3% 30.3% 3.0% 15.2%
National Performance 10.7% 8.1% 15.0% 6.6% 8.8%
St James' Primary School Kotara South 36.4% 21.2% 42.4% 39.4% 30.3%
National Performance 18.1% 17.9% 20.1% 16.3% 16.1%
St James' Primary School Kotara South 27.3% 24.2% 12.1% 36.4% 39.4%
National Performance 25.7% 28.0% 25.3% 30.7% 28.2%
St James' Primary School Kotara South 12.1% 18.2% 9.1% 21.2% 15.2%
National Performance 23.2% 24.7% 20.5% 26.5% 27.8%
St James' Primary School Kotara South 6.1% 3.0% 3.0% 0.0% 0.0%
National Performance 13.8% 12.7% 11.0% 11.9% 13.5%
St James' Primary School Kotara South 0.0% 0.0% 3.0% 0.0% 0.0%
National Performance 8.5% 8.6% 8.1% 7.9% 5.6%
Cultural Achievements
Throughout the year, the St James school community participated in an array of cultural experiences. Every Monday morning, the
staff and children pay tribute to our Indigenous ancestors by reciting an acknowledgement of ongoing Indigenous culture and
ancestry prior to the National Anthem. Catholic Schools Week provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Catholic heritage.
Beginning with a liturgy, the week also included attendance by school leaders at the Diocesan Catholic Schools Week Mass, the
annual athletics carnival, a shared picnic lunch followed by tabloid games, organised and run by Year 6 children.
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Year 6 children attended the annual Combined ANZAC Service at the Civic Theatre whilst other classes participated in a schoolbased
ceremony. School Captains and four other Year 6 Leaders attended a Diocesan Leaders’ Day at Maitland. Year 6 children
also travelled to Sydney to visit the Jewish Museum as part of an integrated English/RE unit of work. Here the focus was
reinforcing studies completed on Judaism and the Holocaust.
St James is fortunate to have a school brass band with optional tuition provided every Friday. The band provided two exceptional
concerts during the year to all members of the school community. St James also played host to a senior school band from St
John’s, Dubbo. The senior students & their teachers, alongside band instructors from our Diocese, conducted a workshop for
several Diocesan Primary Schools including St James Kotara South, St Joseph’s Kilaben Bay, St Joseph’s Merewether, St
Joseph’s Charlestown & St Therese’s New Lambton. The day culminated in two magnificent concerts including all musicians, both
primary & secondary.
The Infant’s Children held a day for grandparents, comprising classroom visits & a concert, followed by a shared morning tea. Gifts
were made and presented to grandparents. The day was extremely well attended and proved a positive experience for all
involved.
Sporting Achievements
Throughout 2011, the children of St James participated in many sporting activities encompassing a broad range of sports. All
classes also experienced weekly gymnastics lessons for one term provided by the YMCA. Year 6 students participated in a skillsbased
program for three days at Tea Gardens and another at St Pius X High School. Additionally, all Stage 3 children participated
in the Fit 4Fun Program, organised and run by the University of Newcastle. Year 2 children participated successfully in an
intensive swimming program.
In addition to school athletics and swimming carnivals, numerous children participated in gala days involving netball, soccer, Oztag,
touch football and rugby league. During Term 4, as part of leadership training, Year 5 students organised and ran a skills program
using tabloid sports for all children from Kindergarten to Year 6.
Children represented the school, Central Region, & Diocese at athletics, swimming, netball, football, tennis, hockey and basketball.
Several children represented PSSA Polding at State Championships including swimming, athletics & cross country.
Other Highlights for 2011
Perhaps the greatest highlight of the 2011 year was the celebration of the school’s 50 th birthday. Invitations were sent to numerous
special guests including the Sisters of Mercy, CSO personnel, past and present principals, teachers, staff, parents and students.
The day began with a moving Liturgy in St Philip’s Church where special mention included of the many contributions made to make
St James the wonderful school that it has become. In particular, a former parent spoke about the formation of the school crest and
motto, In Faith We Learn. His family was voted as the winner of a competition organised through the school. Special gifts and
acknowledgements were made to the Sisters of Mercy, former principals, Father Greg & Mr Ray Collins, Director of Catholic
Schools.
The Liturgy was followed by a concert in the School Hall. A script was carefully and expertly prepared by one of the teachers,
detailing the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy and the history of the school. Each class represented an item of entertainment from the
early 60s showcasing the Beatles, Grease, hippies, Knights Grand Final Winners, Indigenous achievements amongst others tied
through a presentation depicting a class led by Mercy sisters.
At the end of Term 1, the new school buildings, provided through the BER program, were officially opened and blessed. New
buildings included the hall, new classrooms, administration block and refurbished classrooms and library. The buildings were
blessed by Father Bill Burston and officially opened by Ms Sharon Grierson, Federal Member of Parliament. The ceremony formed
part of a Liturgy and presentations by the School Band and Choir formed were made in addition to a photostory depicting the
project from start to finish.
The Welcome Barbecue held at the beginning of the year as a means of introducing and welcoming new families to St James was
well attended with music and dancing provided.
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Staff
Staff Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
Number of Staff
I. Teachers with teaching qualifications from a higher education institution within Australia or as
recognised by National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). 16
II. Teachers with qualifications from a higher education institution within Australia or as
recognised by NOOSR but lacking formal teaching qualifications -
III. (a) Teachers not having qualifications as described in I or II above but having relevant
successful teaching experience or appropriate knowledge relevant to the teaching context
III. (b) Of these which are New Scheme Teachers.
(a)
-
(b)
-
Professional Learning Undertaken
The teaching of maths was again highlighted as a professional learning priority by St James Staff. As such, Catherine Murray,
Curriculum Development Officer, led the staff through NAPLAN results and good teaching practice and strategies for improving
results. The Executive Staff attended a leadership program conducted by John Hattie. Almost every female staff member
attended the Women’s Forum. The Principal & Assistant Principal attended a three day course detailing Quality Teaching.
Teacher Attendance
The average teacher attendance rate for this school is 98%.
Teacher Retention
The teacher retention rate from 2010 to 2011 was 100%.
Enrolments
Actual Enrolments 2010
Scholastic Year Number of Students Attendance Rate %
Kindergarten 31 94.81%
Year 1 23 94.75%
Year 2 27 95.19%
Year 3 27 94.81%
Year 3/4 27 95.03%
Year 4 23 94.46%
Year 5 24 93.25%
Year 5/6 24 95.39%
Year 6 28 95.03%
TOTAL 234 94.85%
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Student Attendance
The average student attendance rate for students at this school during 2011 was 95.33%.
School Priorities
Achievement of School Priorities
St James had a very positive 2011. The school’s 50 th Year Anniversary celebrations provided a great opportunity for the present
students to touch base with the past and to re-discover roots. From an educational point of view, it provided a sound means of
furthering understanding of the struggles & achievements made by a small school embracing Catholic faith & education. The
establishment of the Green Team was indeed a major focus and was incredibly successful with the introduction of gardening
teams, increased environmental awareness and a great sense of the school community working together. Continued professional
development provided a motivated staff with affirmation of a job well done but also invested valuable time in promoting new
methods & approaches to pedagogy, especially in the Key Learning Area of Maths.
Community Satisfaction
St James is blessed to have such a wonderful community of staff, children, parents and friends The high level of collegiality and
pastoral care amongst staff members is indicative of the high level of satisfaction communicated by all staff. Staff members also
attend school functions during weeknights and weekends, often providing assistance and support to fundraising efforts but also as
a means of socialising with the extended school community. The high level of parental involvement in all aspects of school life is
astounding and indicative of the high level of parent satisfaction: excellent attendance at P&F meetings, assistance with curricula
programs involving Religious education, Literacy, numeracy and involvement in sport programs. Parent satisfaction is also evident
by the organisation and support of parents through community days and fundraising initiatives such as the Golf Day, Trivia Night
and working bees held throughout the year. Class based discussions and activities completed across the school indicate that the
children of St James feel happy and safe in a caring and nurturing environment.
Financial Information
The following graphs represent the income and expenditure for St James’ Primary School, Kotara South for the school year ending
31 January 2012 as aggregated from the annual returns to the Australian Government’s Department of Education, Science and
Training.
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Concluding Statement
St James Primary School has continued to grow in the esteem of others. Through its experienced & very dedicated staff, who are
committed to the highest possible standards of education & care, coupled with an extremely friendly & supportive school
community, including parents, Parish Priest & friends who work as a team, our school continues to find success in all facets of
school life. This is a school that lives Christ’s Gospel and values Christ’s love.
Report Access and Publication
This report is available to members of the school and wider communities. Copies will be supplied to the Catholic Schools Office,
The Board of Studies, The Parents and Friends Association, the Parish Priest and to all parents.
Copies of this school’s Annual School Report are available to the general public. Persons wishing to access a copy of the report
should contact:
Mr Peter Bowen
Principal
St James Primary School
Vista Parade
Kotara South NSW 2289
(02) 4952-2414
For further information relating to the Diocesan Policy please refer to: http://mn.catholic.edu.au
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