NEWSLETTER
A Message from our Headteacher
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to our latest St. James newsletter. It is always wonderful to share some of the learning, achievements and special moments taking place across our school community this half term.
We have been working so hard to settle into our new classes this term and feel we have found our rhythm as the days get a little colder and the leaves begin to fall. It’s a reflective time of year as always here at St James and we look forward to the journey towards Christmas together.
We hope you enjoy catching up with everything that has been happening at St. James.
Headteacher
Half Term Highlight
Learning, Growing and Achieving Together
We are delighted to announce that we are the first school in Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust to have been awarded the Oscar Romero Award - Participator Level. This award is inspired by the life and example of Oscar Romero, the award helps participants develop a deeper understanding of social justice, human dignity and solidarity with those who are most vulnerable. Through practical activities, reflection and community involvement, it builds confidence, leadership and empathy while inspiring young people to make a positive difference in their school, local community and the wider world. By recognising these efforts, the award celebrates not only achievement but also the commitment to living out values that can have a lasting impact on others. We are so very proud!
The Oscar Romero Award is named after Saint Oscar Romero, a Catholic Archbishop, who became famous for speaking up for poor and oppressed people. This award recognises courageous work for human dignity, justice and the poor. It shows that St James Catholic Primary School stands alongside vulnerable people and works for justice following in Oscar Romero’s footsteps.
We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to receive the Oscar Romero Award. It is a wonderful recognition of the way our children and staff put their faith into action every day, showing kindness, compassion and a commitment to making a difference. This award belongs to our whole school community and is a very special achievement for us all.”
Francesca Heslop Headteacher
News & Celebrations
Apply Now!
The deadline for applications for our Reception September 2027 is Friday 15th January! We were delighted with the turnout at our recent open evening! We are also taking applications for Little Shells Nursery in September 2027 and places are filling up FAST apply via the admissions page!
Active at St. James
The Girls and Mixed Football Teams are well underway with their campaigns. The teams represent St James as part of the South Tyneside Sports Network. Keep an eye out for Mr Monaghan's football updates, match day reports and players of the match!
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Reducing Accidents at Play RAP
Our Year 6 children visited South Shields Fire Station to explore everyday risks and learn how to keep themselves safe on the roads, around water, near electricity and when using public transport. They also developed their understanding of fire safety and basic first aid. This helps our children to make safer choices as they become more independent.
Head Boy and Head Girl
We are delighted to introduce Emily our Head Girl and Charlie our Head Boy. These children will represent our school and serve as role models for other children. They will work with staff to share ideas and opportunities for our whole school community. We look forward to following your example!
Putting Faith into Action
As a school, we are supporting CAFOD's Safe Water Campaign by raising money to help provide clean, safe water for communities around the world. We are filling our bags with 1p and 2p coins Every contribution can help improve lives and protect health. Our bags will then be recycled.
Together, we can help protect our planet for future generations!
Little Learners, Big Friends
We are delighted with how well our EYFS children have settled in this half term. Our youngest children have met their “special friends” from Year 6 this term. This is a way of giving our Year 6 children responsibility to welcome our youngest children into the St James family. It is a joy to watch our Year 6 children rise to the challenge. Friendships are forged for a lifetime!
A celebration of Harvest
Traditionally during this time of the year, we give thanks to God for his great abundance and blessing through the celebration of harvest. At St James our community always shows generosity to those who are less fortunate than ourselves Thank you to everyone who has been collecting non-perishable foods for the Key Project in Boldon.
Year 5 at Beamish
Year 5 enjoyed a trip to Beamish Museum this half term to support their learning of World War II.
This was a fantastic opportunity for the children to take part in real hands on learning around such an important topic. Once again the behaviour of our children was exemplary. Well done Year 5!
Quick Updates
Every Day Matters
Well done to our Little Shells Nursery for the top school attendance this half term at 98.57%. Closely followed by our Year 6 class at 97.44%. Well done to our youngest and oldest children!
Mrs Hayden
Mrs Hayden is leaving for maternity leave this half term. We wish Mrs Hayden much love and best wishes and we can't wait for updates on the new arrival!
School & PE Kit
Thank you to all of our families that follow our uniform policy. A reminder that there is freshly laundered uniform at the school office - come and help yourself.
Parking
We have had several complaints from our local neighbours about parking around school. Please drive carefully and be respectful of parking around drop off and pick up
Dates for your Diary
Parent & Carer Reminder
We understand that the current financial climate is having a tremendous effect on our school community. If you are struggling, please reach out to us and we will endeavour to support you and your children in any way we can. This can be support with uniform, school meals, trip payments etc.
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