Newsletter Term 2 Week 7, 2025
Acknowledgement of 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
Dear St Pius X School Community
Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful cold weather! Reminder, all students are to be in winter uniform.
Stage Three Canberra Excursion
Notes for the annual Stage Three excursion were sent home last week as a hard copy to all students in Years Five and Six. These notes are extremely important to continue the planning for the trip away. Please read the note very carefully and return both the medical form and permission notes by the due date (or before).
Winter Uniform
All students are to be in their complete winter uniform from now.
PLEASE have names on all items, especially jumpers.
If you need any items of winter clothing please visit our clothing pool, likewise, if you find some uniforms are no longer fitting your child/ren, we are always happy to take donations.
Many thanks for your ongoing support.
Outstanding School Fees
The second instalment of fees for 2025 were due on the 23/5/25. All outstanding payments are now overdue. Your prompt attention to overdue fees would be very much appreciated.
Pupil Free Reminder
Friday, 4th July, will be a school pupil free day. Staff will be spending the day with Educational Consultants focusing on the implementation of the new curriculum.
Have a great week.
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal's Address
Chess Competition
We would like to wish our St Pius X Chess team good luck at the inter-school chess tournament this Thursday. These students have been brushing up on their chess skills and looking forward to a day of competition and meeting students from other schools. Good luck to our Team: Lawson, Georgie, Olivia, Tim, Nate, Hayden, Jet and Liam
Attendance
The impact of school absences, even seemingly small ones, can accumulate and affect a child's learning significantly. The cumulative effect of absences over time can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding. This is the reason we are mandated to monitor attendance diligently. If your child’s attendance drops below 90% we look carefully at the reason and may make contact with you to see how we can support you and your child to ensure attendance above this percentage. Consistent attendance is vital for academic success, as each day in school provides valuable learning opportunities.
RE News
Vinnies Winter Appeal
The Vinnies Winter Appeal is a charity event focused on helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness or hardship, with a particular focus on those in need during the colder months. This year we will be hosting two events to help support this great cause.
Can Drive - Week 8
Each family/child is asked to bring in a non-perishable can food item that can be donated to St Vincent de Paul to use to support those who are less fortunate.
Suggestions include: soup, spaghetti, baked beans, vegetables.
The theme of the 2025 Vinnies Winter Appeal is ‘No one chooses to be homeless’. To help students understand the importance of dignity for all, we will use the cans we collect to spell out the word ‘DIGNITY’. This symbolic gesture highlights our shared commitment to supporting those in need.
Cozy Day - Tuesday 24th June, Week 9.
For a gold coin donation, children will be invited to wear their coziest attire - PJs, Oodies, Hoodies, Beanies etc. All funds raised will be used to purchase items for St Vincent de Paul to use for those in need.
Year 6 - Confirmation Session
As a part of the Sacrament of Confirmation preparation, children and their parents/guardians need to attend the Preparation Sessions held at St Brigids Hall. The sessions are repeated 3 times in the week to help with managing busy schedules. Only 1 session needs to be attended each week.
- Session 1 - Tuesday 10th June 6:15pm or Wednesday 11th June 4:30pm or Sunday 15th June 10am.
- Session 2 - Tuesday 17th June 6:15pm or Wednesday 18th June 4:30pm or Sunday 22nd June 10am.
- Session 3 - Tuesday 24th June 6:15pm or Wednesday 25th June 4:30pm or Sunday 29th June 10am.
Year 6 - Retreat Reflection
Recently, Year 6 took part in their annual Retreat Day—a special time set aside for reflection, connection, and spiritual growth. The day was thoughtfully led by Mrs Burden, along with a group of inspiring student leaders from St John’s College, who helped guide activities and share their own experiences of faith.
Throughout the retreat, students were encouraged to reflect on important aspects of their lives, such as friendship, gratitude, kindness, and the presence of God in everyday moments. They participated in a variety of group discussions, prayer, and creative activities designed to help them think more deeply about their faith journey.
This experience was particularly meaningful as the students prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The retreat helped them understand the significance of the Holy Spirit in their lives and gave them time to consider how they can live out the gifts and fruits of the Spirit in their daily actions. It encouraged them to think about the promises they will make during Confirmation and how they can continue to grow as active members of the Catholic Church.
The day was not only reflective and faith-filled but also strengthened the sense of community and support among the students as they journey together in faith and prepare for the next important step in their spiritual development.
Save the Date - Meet for Mass
Meet for Mass is a tradition we have to strengthen our connection between our school community and parish community. Please mark your calendars for our Term 2 Meet for Mass on Sunday 22nd June, 9am at St Brigid’s.
TERM 2 DATES to Remember
- Year 6 Retreat Day, Tuesday 3rd June (Week 6)
- Class Mass in the School hall - Year 2, Year 3 & Year 4, Wednesday 4th June, 1pm (Week 6) - Parents and friends are welcome to join us for the celebration.
- Class Mass in the School hall - Year 1 & Year 5, Thursday 5th June, 1pm (Week 6) - Parents and friends are welcome to join us for the celebration.
- Confirmation Session 1 (Year 6 Confirmation Candidates), Tuesday 10th June 6:15pm or Wednesday 11th June 4:30pm or Sunday 15th June 10am.
- Term 2 Meet for Mass, Sunday 22nd June, 9am (Week 8)
Kristy Isbester
Acting Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
Sport News
Polding Cross Country
This week we have Amity and Estelle running at Eastern Creek Sydney representing St Pius X and the Bathurst Dioceses at the Polding Cross Country Carnival. We wish these very talented runners all the very best of luck with their races and safe travels.
St Pius X Athletics Carnival
The school’s athletics carnival is being held Thursday 26th, June at Barden Park (North Dubbo). Children do not come to school at all. The whole school, including staff, will be at Barden Park. Parents are responsible for the transport of their children to and from the park.
Regional carnival will take place on the 6th August (Term Three, Week Three)
The children need to arrive at Barden Park at approximately 8.30am and picked up promptly at 2.30pm. The carnival will start at 9am sharp. Kindergarten and Year One’s day finishes at 12.00pm.
As students arrive they are to have their name marked off by their teachers.
We will not be doing semi-finals for the juniors before the day. Junior field events run on the day will have modified rules due to the large numbers.
High Jump will be completed for the juniors on Tuesday 17th June (at SPX) and 11 Years will also do their semi-finals on this day.
If we need to postpone the carnival, it will be posted on our school facebook page and sent out as a Compass message.
What students will need on the day:
- Hat and sunscreen
- Recess, lunch and a drink (if not buying from canteen)
- Warm clothes
- Full sports uniform this includes a school hat.
- Students may wear their house coloured shirts or school sports uniform only.
Library News
For Your Understanding and for your Calendar:
- Our School Book Fair will be held in Week 2 of Term 3 on Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st of July. This is when the Library will be set-up as a fun Bookshop with lots of books and stationery items available for sale. Parents are welcome to come with their child before or after school on these days to peruse and buy items. Students can also purchase books during their normal library hours.
- Our Book Character Parade is a separate activity, which will be held during the nation-wide Book Week in Week 5 of Term 3. On Tuesday 19th of August, students are encouraged to come to school dressed as one of their favourite book characters, and join a fun parade where we celebrate books. In Book Week, the winners are also announced for what are considered to be the best Australian children's books of the year in several categories.
Book Club Edition 4 orders need to be completed by next Wednesday 18th June please.
Wishing you a great week, Mr Schwager
Student Wellbeing
At St Pius, our focus values are ‘KIND, CONNECT, RESPECT’. We often refer to these in class and as a whole school. For the next fortnight we have these well-deserving students nominated by staff for consistently displaying these values:
Kindness: Allegra- Year 3
Respect: Hunter. H -Kindergarten
Men’s Health Week
Men's Health Week is an annual international campaign, celebrated in June, that focuses on raising awareness about the health and wellbeing of men and boys. In Australia, it is officially promoted and coordinated by the Centre for Male Health at Western Sydney University.
This year, Men's Health Week (June 9-15) emphasizes the importance of "See Your GP" and encourages men to prioritize their health by scheduling regular check-ups and seeking professional support.
Just google ‘Men’s Health Week’ for lots of information, activities and help for those who might need a helping hand.
Kind Regards, Mr Schwager
Our School News
What's happening in Year 3!
This term, Year 3 have been reading the novel Wandi by Favel Parrett. It tells the story of a young dingo pup and has taught us how important dingoes are to the Australian ecosystem. We’ve learned why it’s so important to protect them - and we’ve fallen in love with them!
To help support dingoes, we’ve decided to sponsor one through the Australian Dingo Foundation. To raise money for the sponsorship, Year 3 will be holding a cake stall at school on Tuesday, July 2nd, during lunch and recess.
All money raised will go straight to the Australian Dingo Foundation to help protect this iconic Australian animal.
Merit Awards
Kindergarden - Charlotte, Evie, Winston, Philipp
Year 2 - Olympia, Dougie, Paytyn, Landon, Oliver, Noah
Year 4 - Lauren, Hugh, Soloman, Travis
Year 5 - Dustyn, Mia, Darci, Charlie, Lucy
Year 6 - Almirah, Katelynn, Holly, Camden, Stella, James
Happy Birthday !
Charlotte 1st
Timothy 2nd
Princess 3rd
Olivia 5th
Elijah 8th
Community News
