FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Today I am going to share with you the power of ChatGPT. I have taken the liberty of putting the following request into the free ChatGPT website and then asked for a response to send to parents. This was my simple request:
"Newsletter message to parents about the pros and cons of Chat GPT."
The response I received was as follows:
Dear Parents,
We want to provide you with an update on ChatGPT, our AI-powered virtual assistant that helps students with their studies. While ChatGPT has been a valuable addition to our educational resources, we also want to acknowledge that there are both pros and cons to its use.
Pros:
- Instant help: ChatGPT provides students with instant assistance with their academic queries. This allows them to get the answers they need immediately, without having to wait for the teacher's feedback.24/7 Availability: ChatGPT is available 24/7, making it a great resource for students who need extra help outside of regular school hours.
- Personalised learning: ChatGPT can be customized to the student's learning style and needs, providing a personalized learning experience.
- Reduced workload for teachers: With ChatGPT, teachers can focus on teaching the curriculum and spend less time answering repetitive questions.
Cons:
- Over-reliance: Students may become over-reliant on ChatGPT, reducing their problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.
- Limited understanding: ChatGPT's responses are based on the information it has been programmed with, which may be limited or biased.
- Technical issues: Like any technology, ChatGPT may experience technical issues, which can hinder its effectiveness.
- Security concerns: As an online platform, ChatGPT raises concerns about the security and privacy of students' data.
We understand that the use of ChatGPT may have its drawbacks, but we believe that the benefits outweigh the cons. As such, we encourage students to use ChatGPT as a supplement to their regular coursework and to always use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
If you have any questions or concerns about ChatGPT, please do not hesitate to contact us. We value your feedback and strive to provide our students with the best possible educational resources.
Best regards,
[School Name]
I am sure you are all now wondering ‘What happens next’? The technology is relatively new and all educational institutions are grappling with the rules of engagement. At the moment, the advice is simple- be aware of the capability of this platform, the possibility of your child using this, and the implications regarding plagiarism, submission of work that is not their own, and the submission of work that they do not understand (which will have massive implications for in-class tests, exams, etc.).
Please feel assured that there are also Artificial Intelligence (AI) detectors that can reliably check for an AI footprint. Forewarned is forearmed, so I challenge you to investigate this yourself. Perhaps a good trial may be to ask it to write a nice letter to your partner, your local politician, or perhaps even write to me about a matter you have concerns with. Awareness is key, so please be aware. I will be checking all letters moving forward for an AI footprint.
Mr Adrian Pree | Principal
FROM THE CHAPLAIN
This term has a lot going on not that that is unusual. What the term has that is different to the first is the start of exams. What that means is the students must start applying what they have learnt and remembered. Along with showing that they have also learnt to organise their time in revision and extra study if needed.
This can also be said for the Christian Church. During this term we have three festivals. The first one is Ascension; this happens 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection. In which Jesus is taken up to heaven in front of His disciples, Luke 24:50-5. What Jesus had told His disciples was that unless He left, the Holy Spirit would not come. What Jesus was doing is teaching that we must learn to do things on our own, although there would still be someone with us. Through the Holy Spirit, the guide who will help lead, inspire and to do the best we can. This is the same for exams, we must do them on our own, yet we have been encouraged and inspired by those who teach and love us. Knowing that their love, hope and pride is still present, even though we cannot see them.
This is what Pentecost is all about, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Guide, sent to be with us after Jesus ascended. We are told in Acts what the Spirit does when it arrives, Acts 2:1-31. The Holy Spirit is the one that gives the different gifts which help us to live a Christian life and helps us to be the best we can be.
The third festival is Trinity, the celebration of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is one of the difficult things to understand as it is about three separate people but only one person. There are simple ways of explaining it, such as water, has three ways of being, liquid, ice or steam. The chemical symbol also shows the way, two invisible one visible. H2O, but if we still lived in the fifteenth century, or before, we would be burnt at the stake for heresy! As it is not meant to be understanding simply, it is all about faith and belief in God. As Theologians teach, if we fully comprehend God, it will go against what He is. Which is like one of those mathematical problems some find easy to understand, while the rest of us just scratch our heads.
As we journey through this term with all the study, questioning and testing, may we remember that all of life is just the same. That no matter whether we are at school, work, home, or play, we must learn and at times, be tested in some form or other. It is how we respond and participate that our true selves are displayed.
Reverend John Taylor | School Chaplain
FROM THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Promoting Positive Behaviours
The bulk of my professional reading this year and the conferences I have chosen to attend are centred on ‘promoting positive behaviours.’ I have been gathering ideas, looking into specific opportunities and finding a community of like-minded people who see the value that positive behaviours bring to a community.
What I have discovered is that there is no one program, one silver bullet or guest presenter that will ‘make everything great.’ What there is, is a collection of opportunities that promote reflection, change and growth amongst all members in our School community.
At St James’, we value the little things, for example, greeting one another, using good manners, being kind and considerate of others and so on. From here, we can layer on more of the complex concepts which make up respect, empathy and inclusivity, to name a few.
So, my task is becoming clear; raise the visibility of positive behaviours and ensure that our policies, practices and reward systems activity recognise and reinforce positive behaviours. Yes, we should explicitly teach positive behaviour, but our end goal should be that these behaviours are so engrained in our everyday habits, mindset and core being, that we become innately ‘good people who care for one another; people who view the world with optimism, joy and wonder.’
We are well on our way to achieving this goal!
Mr Chris Hall | Head of Senior School
FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
With a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm, Term 2 began smoothly as students and staff returned from a rejuvenating Easter break. We kicked off the term with two significant whole school events, the Interhouse Cross Country Carnival and the ANZAC Service. Both events brought our School community together to honour our ANZACs and inspire our students to strive for their personal best. It was heart-warming to have all the Mother's on campus for the ELC Mother’s Day Walk and see all our students dressed in their 'party best' for the annual Junior School disco.
A key focus across the School is ensuring we follow our School values – Faith, Inclusion, Excellence, Integrity, Justice and Respect. The values are reinforced in CAVE (Christian and Values Education) lessons and how we conduct ourselves. Year 1 Flight’s assembly reminded the ELC of the importance of each value through some lovely songs, whilst the Year 3 – 6 students are challenged to live the values through their actions. The value of excellence will be recognised at the Academic Awards assembly in Term 3. This will be a chance to acknowledge the hard work and effort that students are making across all learning areas.
Another focus has been on educating our students for a sustainable future. We want to empower them to be the agents of change and have the knowledge of how to look after the environment. The Containers for Change recycling initiative has engaged each Junior School class in this important endeavour. We look forward to keeping the community informed about the funds raised and how they will be utilised.
We have exciting plans to educate students about composting through an engaging incursion, allowing them to learn about the process while nurturing an appreciation for the environment. Alongside this is the growing of vegetables and herbs in the veggie garden. The produce will be on sale after school in the coming weeks. We are also pleased to let you know that the 2023 release of St James' Olive Oil will also be on sale shortly.
As we journey through the term, our commitment to providing a caring and sustainable learning environment continues. We believe in our students' potential to create positive change and are dedicated to equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a brighter and more responsible future.
Mr Dan Mornement | Head of Junior School
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE P & F
The Parents and Friends (P&F) at St James' have been an integral part of the School community for many years, fostering strong connections between parents, the School and the wider community. As the outgoing President, I reflect on the countless successes, cherished memories, and, most importantly, the friendships that have been forged along the way.
Over the years, the P&F has organised numerous events and initiatives that have brought joy and excitement to the St James' community. One standout event for me was the recent Family Fun Day, which saw families come together for a day filled with exciting thrill rides, games, and entertainment for the wider community. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our enthusiastic St James' staff and P&F members.
As my tenure as President comes to an end, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the new President, Robin Trotter, and the new Treasurer, Jon Brown. Their passion and commitment will undoubtedly lead the Parents and Friends at St James' to new heights. A survey will be sent to you in the coming weeks, I encourage you all to complete the survey and contact Robin with any ideas or thoughts you have for the coming year.
As I pass the baton, I can proudly say that the community at St James' is not just a school, but a family. It is a community that has brought parents together, fostering lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging. The successes, memories, and enduring friendships made along the way will continue to be cherished and celebrated by all who have been a part of the journey at St James'.
Mrs Sonet Coetzee | P & F President
Meet our Senior School Captain
Over the course of the year, we have been featuring information about our 2023 Captains. In this edition, we put the spotlight on Kean, our Senior School Captain.
Why did you put yourself forward for the School Captain position, and what does being a Captain mean to you?
- I think I’ve always been a natural leader in most things I do inside and outside of school, so I thought I’d be good for this job. It means being a role model to students across the school.
How can you make a difference in your role as Captain?
- I think I have a different personality and approach when it comes to previous school Captains, so I think it’s good for younger students to see a different leadership style in the School and someone with a different approach to activities and events.
What year did you join St James’?
- I joined in Year 7 in 2018 with a couple of mates.
What is the best thing about being a student at St James’?
- At first, I really didn’t like the idea of going to a smaller school but now I really think it’s better to go to a smaller more local school where you know everyone.
What is your favourite school experience/s at St James’?
- If it wasn’t Year 10 camp, then definitely all the House times I’ve had through the years and all the fun stuff I did with my best mates in those activities.
What are your favourite school subject/s, and why?
- 100% woodwork, because I love having the freedom to create my own personal work at my own pace with a teacher who really takes individual care to help every student improve themselves and their abilities.
What are your hobbies/interests/passions?
- The Australian Army Cadets really takes up most of my life, after four years of it, I just keep getting busier and still somehow love it and all the camps like when I went to Tasmania for the week to go abseiling and hiking. I also love riding my dirt bike and land cruiser in the bush when I get the chance to.
Interhouse Cross Country Carnival Success
The first week in Term 2 saw our Kindergarten to Year 12 Interhouse Cross Country Carnival take place in beautiful conditions at St James’. Years 2-12 completed a challenging course of varying distances while our Kindy, Pre-Primary and Year 1 students completed a participation-based carnival on the Junior School Oval.
As always, the level of effort and participation was outstanding and full credit must go to the students for their willingness to push themselves to achieve their personal best. Students were able to see their time displayed on the electronic scoreboard as they crossed the finish line, much to their delight. Personal bests were achieved, and the atmosphere was brilliant.
Congratulations to Cervantes for taking out the Junior School Cross Country Carnival
- Cervantes 1945
- Eglinton 1801
- Twilight 1747
- Sydney 1694
Congratulations to Sydney for taking out the Senior School Cross Country Carnival
- Sydney 2037
- Cervantes 1936
- Eglinton 1834
- Twilight 1815
A fantastic effort from Cervantes and Sydney to come out on top in closely fought carnivals.
Mr James Parsons | Head of Physical Education
2023 Interhouse Cross Country Carnival Photo Gallery
Disco Diva
After two long years, the Junior School had its disco last Friday which proved to be an astounding success, captivating young hearts and filling the air with laughter, dance and an electric atmosphere. The Early Learning students were the first in the door, followed by Years 3-6 later in the evening.
The disco kicked off to an energetic start as DJ Pasquale spun a mix of popular hits and timeless classics. The beats reverberated through the Collaborative Area, coaxing even the shyest of students to showcase their dance moves. 18 prizes were won on the night, adding to the excitement of the evening.
A photo corner captured cherished memories and the sausage sizzle kept everyone going. We look forward to the disco again next year. A big thanks to the Junior School staff, Junior School Captains and helpers from the Senior School for assisting on the night.
Mr Nicholas Townsend | Deputy Head of Junior School
Junior School Disco Photo Gallery
Linking Curriculums in Year 7
On Wednesday 17 May our Year 7 cohort ventured on a fun-filled excursion experience. The students embarked on a captivating journey to Perth Zoo and Perth Museum Boola Bardip, creating lasting memories while immersing themselves in cross-curricular exploration, encompassing the realms of HASS and Science.
The day commenced with great enthusiasm as our students set foot in Perth Zoo, where they encountered a diverse range of fascinating animal species from around the world. The visit provided a unique opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of environmental conservation, biodiversity, and the impact of human actions on our planet. Students identified adaptation that animals have made over time to better live in their environments as they have changed.
Between locations, students enjoyed a shared lunch as a group in the beautiful gardens that Perth Zoo has to offer.
At Boola Bardip, students had the opportunity to observe historical artefacts and were able to see how we apply the knowledge that we can gain from artefacts to our lives today, and what they tell us about the past. This cross-curricular excursion not only provided an enjoyable day out for our Year 7 cohort but also strengthened their learning across multiple subjects. By connecting their experiences at the zoo and museum to their HASS and Science studies, our students gained a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of knowledge and the real-world applications of their learning.
The day was a great success, both students and staff had an engaging and informative day together. A big thank you to the staff members that came along as group leaders.
Miss Maddison White | HASS Teacher
Diving Success on SCUBA Camp
In Week 10 last term, 14 excited students from Years 10 - 12 travelled from Hillary's across to Rottnest Island on the purpose-built Image Dive Charter boat. For the next two days, they would put into practice their Advanced Dive theory and skills learnt the previous Friday to obtain their Advanced SCUBA qualification. This is the next level of SCUBA diving a student can achieve following the Open Water SCUBA course. The Advanced qualification enables divers to descend to 35m!
On the first day students experienced fantastic visibility at various sites around the island. Between dives they feasted on jumbo BBQ crayfish that the instructors caught by hand and enjoyed sitting on the bow while the boat was moored in protected bays. After the second dive of the day, the skipper anchored near Little Armstrong Reef for a spot of snorkelling and jumping off the boat into the crystal clear, although a little cool water.
By 3.30pm it was time to disembark and join the Year 9 Campers at the Rottnest Campgrounds. After setting up our tents for the evening, students enjoyed a little trip to the General Store followed by a feast from Frankie's on Rotto! Following dinner everyone was quite exhausted, so we had a little stroll to the lighthouse before settling in for the night.
The second day of diving proved just as spectacular as the first! We landed on sites with even more swim-through's, caverns and cray's than the previous day! Students completed their official deep dive which is required for their certification, and the final dive saw us the only shark of the trip - a gorgeous Port Jackson tucked away amongst the reefs.
By the time we ascended from the final dive it was clear the students were far more confident than they were on the journey out. Their buoyancy control, vertical descents and safety stops were done very competently, and they should all be very proud of what they have achieved.
Each student who certifies as an Advanced SCUBA Diver achieves a "C" grade towards their graduation and well and truly earned their Easter break.
Mrs Rebecca Hudson | Science Teacher
Another Successful Olive Harvest
Celebrating a year since our highly successful inaugural olive oil making event, the Junior School rallied together once again to embark on another fruitful endeavour. As the curtains closed on Term 1, the Orange Army joined forces to handpick olives from the flourishing trees amongst the Junior School. With great care, the harvested olives were transported to Jumanga Olives in Carabooda, where they underwent a meticulous process of sorting, washing, and crushing until they were transformed into a luscious pulp. The precious oil concealed within the pulp was then extracted and allowed to settle in a large container for a period of four weeks.
Once the oil had undergone its transformation, the responsibility of bottling the liquid gold was entrusted to Junior School Captains, Esme M and Freya K. Under the guidance of Mr Mornement, they skillfully poured the freshly pressed olive oil into glass bottles, securing them with seals, pourers and lids.
In true Junior School fashion, a label design competition was organised, inviting students to showcase their artistic talents. Among the brilliant submissions, it was Year 4 student, Georgia P, who emerged victorious with her exceptional design. Georgia's creation was then printed on vinyl labels, which completed the bottles of our locally produced olive oil.
This year, the fruits of our labour have yielded an impressive 14 bottles. We are thrilled to announce that these exclusive bottles will be available for purchase from our Junior School market stall cart on Friday 2 June. Parents are invited to join us at 3.10pm to partake in this extraordinary opportunity to purchase the finest, freshly grown St James' produce, including an array of vegetables, herbs, and, of course, our coveted olive oil.
Don't miss this chance to support our eager Orange Army and relish in the taste of our School's extraordinary achievements at our remarkable Junior School market stall!
Olive Oil Production Photo Gallery
Sailing Takes Centre Stage
The Year 10 Marine Studies students have embarked on a unique nautical adventure this term, diving into the world of sailboats and boating theory. Their classroom studies have been complemented by practical sailing sessions, held every second Thursday at Hillary's Yacht Club. With the guidance of experienced instructors, these students have set sail on a journey of learning and discovery.
The first lesson proved to be a remarkable experience for both classes, as they were greeted with perfect sailing conditions. The sea was calm, providing an ideal setting for their inaugural time on the water, while there was just enough wind to practice the art of tacking. It was a sight to behold as these budding sailors manoeuvred their vessels with skill and confidence.
Throughout Term 3, the Year 10 students will continue their sailing unit, delving deeper into the intricacies of sailing and expanding their knowledge of seamanship. The School hopes to introduce a Sailing Expedition in the near future, offering students an opportunity to put their newfound skills to the test on a more extensive voyage.
The importance of hands-on experiences in maritime education has been well received by all students. The practical sessions at Hillary's Yacht Club not only enhance the students' understanding of sailing principles but also foster teamwork, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the sea. The Year 10 Marine Studies students deserve commendation for their enthusiasm and dedication to this exciting endeavour.
Marine electives are offered to Year 9 and 10 students, with Sailing a Unit of study in Year 10. The foundations for boating which is part of the Senior School ATAR and General programs are introduced through the sailing topics.
Miss Rebecca Hudson | Marine Studies Teacher
Fox Like Spirit on Display
2023 Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships
On Saturday 25 March, Madison E (Year 8), Sophie C (Year 9) Liam R (Year 11) and Mr Penno travelled to Coolangatta Beach in Queensland to represent WA at the 2023 Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships.
Madison, Sophie, and Liam took on the best beach volleyballers from around Australia in a gruelling four-day competition. Their competitive 'fox-like' spirit was evident every time they were on the court, never giving in and learning from every point even when battling against more experienced opposition. They were also lucky enough to watch and learn from some of the world’s best players, with a World Tour event taking place at the same time, on the same beach!
“The experience was tough and challenging, but I enjoyed playing beach volleyball for WA. I would like to see more students step out of their comfort zone and give new things, like volleyball, a go so they can make the most of their opportunities at St James’.” Madison E
Sophie and Liam are inaugural members of the St James’ Volleyball Specialist Program that commenced in 2021 with Madison joining in Year 7 last year. Their selection into a WA state team is an outstanding achievement and is a testament to their hard work and dedication whilst being involved in the Program.
Mr Ryan Penno | Physical Education Teacher
Gaining Knowledge to Achieve their Dreams
Our Year 9 students recently attended the highly anticipated Careers Expo at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. With over 70 exhibitors from diverse sectors, they delved into a world of future career pathways. Engaging with industry professionals, they discovered course offerings for university, TAFE and apprenticeships.
Students left the Expo with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. Armed with a wealth of knowledge about various career pathways, they are now better equipped to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures. The connections forged with industry professionals during the Expo will undoubtedly serve as invaluable resources and mentors, guiding our students toward their chosen endeavours.
We are committed to providing continuous quality support and counselling dedicated to assisting students in making informed decisions about their career pathways. Students can meet with Head of Careers and VET, Mr Thomas, at anytime in the Career's Office located on the ground floor of the Stage 4 building.