St James’ Primary School, Kotara South is a proud Catholic school built on Awabakal land. Our school is steeped in tradition and shared beliefs. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, we take great pride in our Mercy heritage. Our core values of respect, courage, service, justice, compassion and hospitality are embedded in our everyday life. We are a school with strong ties to our parish of All Saints Blackbutt South and we are committed to an inclusive Catholic education. The positive relationships which exist amongst the staff, students, parents and parish are evident and highly visible in our community. We foster open and honest communication. All members of our community are valued as people who are created in the image of Jesus.

Our staff are dedicated, hard-working and professional. We all strive to provide the best environment for our students to grow in all facets of life. We cater to their spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs. Our aim is to encourage lifelong learning and wellbeing. We are a school that is forward thinking. Our focus is on developing in our students, the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens of the future.

St James’ is a community with a culture of continuous improvement. Our teaching staff demonstrate a deep understanding of how students learn. We strive to deliver the curriculum in a variety of approaches, including the use of technology within contemporary learning spaces. Our classrooms are inviting and active learning is evident. Our children are engaged and encouraged to express themselves and share their share skills, passions and knowledge with one another. We strive to create critical and creative thinkers.

St James’ is blessed with abundant outdoor spaces. Our playground offers a unique natural bushland setting which allows us to create outdoor education areas that promote discovery, risk taking, investigation and imagination. We are strongly committed to the philosophy and pedagogy of Early Learning as this is the cornerstone on which to build successful foundations for students to flourish in their learning and wellbeing.

At St James’, we provide quality support for students with additional needs in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. We believe all students are capable of learning successfully when motivated and given the appropriate learning opportunities. As a Gifted Education Lead School, (GEL) we are able to identify our gifted learners and provide opportunities for all students to be engaged, challenged and extended.

Our school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities including band, choir, public speaking, debating, lunch clubs and sport, There are opportunities for students to pursue their various interests and talents. St James’ also offers an onsite OOSH and playgroup, furthering our positive partnerships with parents and the wider community.

Our Parents and Friends Association is active and supportive, providing tremendous financial and moral support to our school. Through active fundraising, the P&F commit to assisting with school improvement and the purchasing of additional resources. We are forever grateful to the enthusiastic and hard-working volunteers for their dedication to the St James’ school community.

We look forward to building strong relationships with our families, knowing that together we work in partnership to enliven our mission, vision and values.