New Family Advice

Starting at a new school is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at first. At St. James, one thing is certain: you’re not in this alone. Our families, faculty, and staff form a community that is welcoming, supportive, and eager to help newcomers feel right at home.

We asked current St. James families what advice they would give to someone just starting out. Here’s what they said:

1. Get Involved Early and Often

The most common advice? Jump in. Attend events, say yes to invitations, and take advantage of every opportunity to connect.

• “Dive in and join the community! Go to the gala, attend events, meet other people. As you get involved you only meet more wonderful people and it's the best.”
  
  
• “Try to attend all the school events, parent nights, and sign up parties you possibly can in the beginning! You make friends and connections that will last for years . Also, always ask questions if you’re not sure about something. Everyone is here to help .”
  
  
• “Get involved, and sign up now, as you don't want to miss out!”
  
  
• “Step out of your comfort zone! It can be scary to show up to events where you don't know anyone. It still makes me nervous to do it, but the STJ parents are so warm and welcoming. I have made wonderful connections at various events and I'm so glad I said "yes" to the invites!”
  
  

2. Build Friendships and Community

Parents shared how much they value the friendships formed here—not just for their children, but for themselves as well.

• “Take the time to get involved and meet other families in your child's classes. Many of our strongest friendships today are from the relationships built over many years.”
  
  
• “The St. James community is wonderful–we all help each other as much as we can--so participate in activities and get to know the parents in your child's class. They become an invaluable lifeline!”
  
  
• “The St. James community is so wonderful. We were new to the school in Kindergarten, and worried that may set us 'back' in terms of building relationships, but we've experienced the opposite. Everyone is so friendly, so welcoming and so eager to make you feel included. The advice I'd give is to 'say yes' to the events and opportunities to get together with other St. James families as much as you can. It may take time to build the relationships, but can guarantee that you will be welcomed with open arms to any gathering you attend.”
  
  

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

New families quickly discover that everyone at St. James is approachable and willing to help.

• “Don’t be afraid to speak up; everyone who works at STJ is approachable and kind. Also get involved. There’s no better way to get to know the parents, then to attend a party, serve on a committee, or volunteer at an event. We have made friends for life at Saint James.”
  
  
• “If anything on the school calendar doesn't make sense to you, ask a friend! Some events go by special names (i.e. back to school night - it's a parents only event!) so you can plan accordingly. There are also room parents in each classroom, so find out who yours is and use them as a resource. They will keep you in the loop on all details specific to your classroom, as well as the school wide events. Finally (sorry this is 3!) read the weekly maverick message email that goes out to all school parents on Friday mornings.”
  
  
• “Always ask questions if you’re not sure about something. Everyone is here to help .”
  
  

4. Trust the Experience

Families emphasized the value of trusting the community and the school.

• “Trust the St. James family!”
  
  
• “Trust the process.”
  
  
• “Worth the investment”
  
  

5. Enjoy the Journey

Above all, parents encourage newcomers to embrace the joy and growth that comes with being part of St. James.

• “You will fall in love with our school & you’ve found the best school in the city for your little ones. Also, to attend some of the school functions, and activities so you can see the love and support our community has.”
  
  
• “You're going to love St. James and you're going to watch your child grow and learn so much after they begin attending there.”
  
  
• “Attend the extra events and activities offered! I have picked up parenting tips, made great connections and friends. A really great resource.”
  
  
• “It can feel intimidating when you don't know any other families at school yet, I remember feeling that way for sure. If I knew then what I know now about how warm, welcoming and kind this community is, I would not have hesitated to get involved, volunteer, join a sign-up party, ask a question, or anything else that gave me pause navigating that first year at school!”
  
  
• “Be open to all the opportunities to meet new people. It can be overwhelming at first but everyone is so happy you are here and we can’t wait to get to know you.”
  
  

Final Thought

Every family’s journey at St. James looks a little different, but one theme is clear: getting involved is the best way to feel connected. As one parent put it:

“The community is amazing. Jump in with both feet. From the teachers to the parents to the rest of the staff, it’s really one big family of caring and down to earth people.”