Newsletter Term 3 Week 3, 2024
Welcome to Country
In the Spirit of Reconciliation, the St. Pius X school community recognizes 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
Mary Mackillop Feast Day
We celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop on 8th of August. St Mary had a passion for
educating children, supporting women's health and the marginalised. As Australia’s first Saint, it
is appropriate to reflect on her wisdom.
FOR THE GIFT OF GRATITUDE
“God’s love is too deep for words to express.” Mary MacKillop 1870
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” Mary MacKillop 1907
See and be grateful.” Mary MacKillop 1884 “
Let us thank God that we are as we are. Mary MacKillop 1874
“We have much for which to be thankful.” Mary MacKillop 1873
FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
“Do not be afraid”. Mary Mackillop 1908
“Let love guide you in all your life.” Mary MacKillop 1873
“All depends on prayer. Begin with it and end with it.” Mary MacKillop 1890
“All will be right with time and a little patience.” Mary MacKillop 1873
“Is not God doing a great deal of what is wonderful in you?” Mary MacKillop 1869
NAIDOC Day Celebration
This year’s theme, "Keep the Fire Burning: Blak, Loud, and Proud" is a powerful reminder of the
resilience, pride, and ongoing cultural vitality within our communities. For early learning
educators, this theme offers a wonderful opportunity to embed these values in young hearts and
minds, fostering respect and appreciation from the earliest stages of life.
We will be holding our NAIDOC Day celebrations on Friday 9th August, with a special visitor, and a
variety of activities including an organised performance.
9.00am - Liturgy
9:30am - Wadjiny Performance
10:30am - Lunch (Sausage Sizzle)
11:30am - Rotational Activities (peer support groups)
1:30am - Recess (Johnny Cakes)
2.20pm - In class activities
7 August - Stage 3 Debating
8 August - Feast of St Mary Mackillop (Liturgies in Class)
9 August - NAIDOC Day celebration and activities
15 August - Feast of the Assumption - St Brigid’s Church
20 August - Stage 3 Praise and Worship Event
21 August - St Pius X Feast Day
22 August - Book Week Parade
23 August - Year 3 Communion Retreat
Please note P&F Meeting tomorrow evening Tuesday 6pm in the School Staff Room....all parents and friends most welcome to attend.
Katrina Isbester-Principal
Assistant Principal's Address
Western Region Athletics
This Tuesday is the date of the Western Region Athletics Carnival to be held at Barden
Park. We have 51 students competing.
Students will need to have their names marked off by Mrs Garling on arrival and
departure.
The competitors need to be aware that names may not be called for each event, just the
event and its number, ALL competitors need to know what events they will be competing
in.
A reminder of times;
● Please drop off your child prior to 8.45am.
● 8.55am Prayer
● 9am SHARP. First events commence.
● Aiming for a 3pm finish.
Full sports uniform is to be worn and worn correctly on the day – normal school rules apply.
● Times / order of events may be changed at the discretion of the Convenor
● All 200m are timed finals, no finals will be run.
● 1500m will be run as age groups, girls & boys together.
Sports Captains Photo
This Wednesday at 9.30am the eight house captains will have their catch-up photo taken.
Normal sports uniform will be worn.
Greg Cant- Assistant Principal
RE News
NAIDOC Day
This Friday we will be celebrating a day of activities led by our aboriginal students and Mrs Garling. The liturgy is at 9am and we would love all our parents to join us as we give thanks for the wonderful culture and history of this land.
The Feast of Mary MacKillop
This Thursday is the Feast of Mary MacKillop, who is Australia’s first and only saint. Along with Fr Julian Tenison Woods, Mary opened a school in a disused stable in Penola, South Australia. Her vision was to provide education for underprivileged children. Many other women came to join her there, and Mary and Julian founded Australia's first religious order: the Sisters of St Joseph.
First Eucharist
The children have begun their preparation sessions for First Communion.
St Pius X Feast Day
On 21st August we will be celebrating our school’s feast day in honour of St Pius X. We will being our day with a school mass at St Brigid’s, family and friends are most welcome to join us for mass.
Jo Taylor- Religious Education Cordinator
NAIDOC Day
NAIDOC DAY (FRI 9th AUGUST)
This Friday 9th August we are celebrating NAIDOC at St. Pius.
We are very excited to have a fabulous day scheduled for our whole school to enjoy, to celebrate the rich culture and history of our First Nations Peoples.
Students are encouraged to wear Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander inspired clothing (Red, Yellow, Black, Green, Blue, White), while ensuring enclosed shoes.
Families are invited to attend our NAIDOC Liturgy commencing 9am, to conclude at 9:30am.
Dannah Garling -Aboriginal Education Officer
Merit Awards
Kindergarten
Bo, Nova, Oliver, Maisie, Emerson, Edith, Harry, Estelle
Year 1
Mia, Jack, Ollie, Eli, Harry, Tyler
Year 2
Micah, Kailey, Emily
Year 3
Solomon, Spencer, Frankie, Barli, Matilda, Riley, Jackson
Year 4
Charlie, Addison, Grace, Nyola, Lawson, Darci
Year 5
Harry, Stella, Jamie-Lea
Year 6
Zach, Eleanor, Benji, Braithyn
Happy Birthday !
Olympia Pippa Elsie Eve
Harrison Nate Micah
Library News
Library
Congratulations to our new Library Monitors for Semester 2. I know they
will do a terrific job of helping in our library.
Library Monitors:
Year Three - Evie Johnson, Molly Rouse, Walter Ryan
Year Four - Mia Zumbo, Ellyse Trudgett
Year Five - Jamie-Lea Dean, Harlow Briggs
Year Six - Benji Rich, Samuel Whitehead
Thank you everyone for your great support of our Book Fair last week. It was
terrific to see so many students enjoying purchasing a new book.
Our next big event will be Book Week in Week 5 of this term, with the
highlight being our Book Character Parade on Thursday 22 nd August
commencing at 10am.
Mr Schwager- Teacher Librarian