Newsletter Term 1 Week 10, 2024
Welcome to Country
In the Spirit of Reconciliation, the St. Pius X school community recognises the ongoing role of the traditional custodians of this land, the Tubba-Gah peoples of the Wiradjuri nation. It is on their ancestral lands that we continue our learning journey together.
We extend that respect to Elders, past, present and emerging. Furthermore, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our school community. Acknowledging their presence and spiritual connection to Country.
In the light of faith, we work towards a more accepting and humble school environment for all.
Principal's Address
Parent Teacher Interview
We will be holding Parent Teacher interviews in Week 11 of this term on Monday 8th April,
Tuesday 9th April and Wednesday 10th April.
Interview times will open for booking via Compass Today - Tuesday 2nd April ( times may
vary slightly from teacher to teacher).
Just a reminder Kindergarten Interviews will be held at a later date.
The following directions may be helpful if you are unfamiliar with booking via the Compass App.
Steps:
1. Open Compass
2. Click on Menu on the left hand side
3. Click on conferences
4. Click on Parent Teacher interviews
5. Click on the time slot you would like
Parent teacher interviews are a great opportunity to find out how your child is progressing this year at school. It also provides teachers the opportunity to share areas of strength and areas that are a focus and an opportunity for you to ask questions specific to your child's needs.
School Improvement Survey
On the 2nd May, parents will receive an invitation to take part in our annual school improvement
survey. The purpose of this survey is to provide all stakeholders in our school community a
voice in how our school operates. The survey is straightforward and your responses are
collected, collated and used to inform the school where we are operating well and areas where
we may need to improve. This is an important tool that all schools in our Diocese participate in
each year. Data from it forms and guides our annual improvement plans for the following year. I
invite all members of our school community to be active in your participation with this survey.
The link to the survey will be live for two weeks.
Online Social Media
Over the past few weeks, the school has been contacted by parents who are concerned about
messages and communication involving their child on social media and online games.
As you are aware the school cannot control messages that your child receives on social media
or online games outside of school hours. Most social media platforms and online games have a
minimum age of 13 years for users. This is essential because children do not always have the
cognitive or emotional maturity to deal with one comment or do not understand the impact their
comments will have on others.
The esafety commissioner website has lots of useful information about supporting and keeping
children safe online
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Easter Egg Raffle Update
The easter raffle has raised an amazing $1,685.50. This is a wonderful response from our
school community, and all the money raised will be utilised for the benefit of our school and
children. The P&F are thankful for the support of everyone involved. A special thank you to
Lauren Hannam and Rebecca Job for organising the donations into amazing prizes.
Assistant Principal's Address
Polding Swimming Trials
We wish Phoebe Heckendorf, Frankie and Stella Lavelle all the very best for the Polding
Swimming trials in Homebush this week. The girls have worked very hard to get to this level
and deserve all the praise. Safe travels and the best of luck with this great achievement.
Peachey Shield (Years 5 & 6)
Peachey Shield (Years Five & Six nominated boys) is being held this Friday 5th April at Katrina Gibbs
Ovals (touch field near Officeworks). The day starts with a briefing for all participants at 9.10am.
We are asking that students attending be dropped off at 9.00am. Miss Montague, Mr Jones and Mrs
Kerin will be there at this time marking off names and handing out footy jumpers. Please have notes
returned to the class teacher as soon as possible.
I will send out a draw when available.
Children NEED to bring safety equipment (headgear and mouth guard) as well as recess, lunch and
plenty of water. There will be a canteen in operation on the day.
FULL sports uniform MUST be worn (includes hat), no student will take the field in incorrect
uniform.
St. Pius X has entered two teams (one inexperienced and one experienced) to compete on the
day. Any parent support on the day would be greatly appreciated.
The whole day changed its formation in recent years and became a non-competitive day.
Diocesan (Coolah) Cross Country
A note has been sent out to all students selected for the Diocesan Cross Country in Coolah
(top four boys and girls in each of the age groups), this carnival will be held on Tuesday 7 th
May.
A reminder that the note was due back last week. If your child is not attending I need to
know as soon as possible.
Students going to Coolah are representing St Pius X at a Diocesan event so all students will
need FULL SPORTS UNIFORM (includes school hat).
Students will need to bring on the day: tracksuit, drink bottle, sunscreen, recess and lunch
(canteen will be operating on the day). If parents would like to take something to sit on it is
advised as we will be situated on an oval with no seating.
Remember to build up that fitness over the holiday break. Dubbo Park Run is a great way to
start a Saturday morning (whole family activity!), 8.00am start at Sandy Beach, remember to
register and carry your barcode – FREE.
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RE News
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Easter
Easter is the pinnacle of our faith and the most important date
on the liturgical calendar - celebrating the resurrection of Jesus
Christ. Wishing all our families a very happy and holy Easter.
Year 3 Holy Week Liturgy
Thank you Year 3 for a very revenant and meaningful Holy
Week liturgy last Thursday. You helped us all understand
Jesus’ Holy Week journey towards the resurrection.
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Meet 4 Mass
Meet 4 Mass for children from Kinder to Year 5 is this Sunday (Year 6 are most welcome to
join us). This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families and to share the celebration
of mass with each other. We would love to have as many families as possible join the staff of
St Pius X and St Brigid’s parishioners for mass.
Project Compassion - Lent
Thank you to all the children who sent in their Project Compassion box, this gift of generosity
will go a long way towards helping those less fortunate than us. All the boxes have been
delivered.
Mufti Day Fundraiser
Thank you for all the gold coin donations towards the St John’s College Cambodian
Immersion Experience. Perhaps in the future some of our students will be able to participate
in this wonderful project to help global communities in need. I know the College students will
be very grateful for our support.
Term 1 Dates to Remember
2nd April | Easter Resurrection Liturgy - Year 4 |
7th April | MEET 4 Mass - Kinder to Year 5 |
Jo Taylor
Religious Education Coordinator St PiusX
Merit Awards
Year 1
Brian, Lilly, Vince, Oliver K, Paytyn
Year 3
Travis, Jax, Scarlett, Isaac, Cydi, Matilda
Happy Birthday !
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Clara
Aliza
P& F Meeting
The next meeting of the P&F will be Thursday 16th May at 6pm in the staffroom, everyone is most welcome to attend.