Newsletter Term 2 Week 9, 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
This week will be a sad one for our small school community and for St Brigid’s Parish, as we prepare to say a very fond farewell to our much-loved School Chaplain and the Parish’s Assistant Priest, Fr Nam Le.
Fr Nam has been a familiar and comforting presence in our school over the past three years. Whether it was leading us in prayer, celebrating Mass, or simply sharing a warm smile in the playground, Fr Nam’s gentle spirit and kind heart have left a lasting impression on students and staff alike.
While we are saddened by his departure, we are also incredibly grateful for the time he has spent with us and the many ways he has enriched our community. We wish Fr Nam all the very best as he begins the next chapter of his ministry in Bathurst. They are very lucky to have him.
Thank you, Fr Nam, for your guidance, compassion, and unwavering support. You will always be a part of the St Pius X family.
Reminder: St Pius X Athletics Carnival
Please read the sports section regarding this Thursday’s Athletics carnival. Carnival will start at 9.00am and all students are to be dropped off at Barden Park (school will be closed).
Pupil Free Reminder x Two
Friday 4th and Monday 21st July will be school pupil free days. Staff will be spending the days with Educational Consultants focusing on the implementation of the new curriculum.
Have a great week.
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal's Address
Athletics Carnival
We are looking forward to seeing everyone in attendance at our school athletics carnival this Thursday. A reminder that this is still a compulsory day of school attendance.
Attendance
Regular school attendance establishes a strong foundation for academic growth and paves the way for future achievements and enhancing life opportunities.
Regular school attendance is not just about meeting a requirement; it is a fundamental building block that sets the stage for academic growth, personal development, and the pursuit of life's opportunities. It lays the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling educational journey.
Consistent school attendance is a key factor in preparing students for success in college and future careers. Employers and higher education institutions value the dedication and commitment demonstrated through regular attendance.
Expect that your child attends and actively participates in their school community.
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
I would like to thank our St Pius X Community for their wonderful support of our Can Drive last week. The generosity shown is going to make a difference to those in need within our community. I certainly believe that our students understood the message that Mrs O’Donoghue gave when she came to speak to us at the assembly about the wonderful work that St Vincent de Paul do to support our community.
Cozy Day - Tuesday 24th June, Week 9.
Tomorrow is our Cozy Day. 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. Please be mindful that preparations for our Athletics Carnival will take place during the day so our comfy attire still needs to be practical for our school day.
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. Our final sessions will commence this coming Tuesday.
- Session 3 - Tuesday 24th June 6:15pm or Wednesday 25th June 4:30pm or Sunday 29th June 10am.
Meet for Mass
Thank you to the families that could join us for Meet for Mass on Sunday. It was lovely to celebrate with Fr Nam for his final Sunday morning Mass at St Brigid’s before he moves to Bathurst.
Congratulations Henry & Jackson
We would like to say a special congratulations to Henry & Jackson who were baptised on Sunday.
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the gift of Henry and Jackson and for the opportunity to welcome them into your family through baptism. We pray that you will bless them with your grace, guide them with your wisdom, and fill their life with your love. May they grow in faith, hope, and charity, and may they always know your presence in their lives.
Amen
Year 3 - First Eucharist Enrolment Weekends
Families with children wishing to receive their First Eucharist this year are warmly invited to attend one of the upcoming Enrolment Masses at St Brigid’s. This coming weekend is the last opportunity to enrol. The weekend Mass times:
- Saturday 28th June at 5:00pm
- Sunday 29th June at 9:00am or 5:00pm
You only need to attend one of these Masses to complete your child’s enrolment. We look forward to sharing this special step in your child’s faith journey.
TERM 2 DATES to Remember
- Vinnies Winter Appeal - Cozy Day, Tuesday 24th June (Week 9)
- Confirmation Session 3 (Year 6 Confirmation Candidates), Tuesday 24th June 6:15pm or Wednesday 25th June 4:30pm or Sunday 29th June 10am.
- First Eucharist Enroment Weekend - Saturday 28th June (5pm)/Sunday 29th June (9am or 5pm).
TERM 3 DATES to Remember
- Confirmation Weekend Masses with Bishop Michael, Saturday 26th July (5pm)/Sunday 27th July (9am or 5pm).
- Confirmation Weekend Masses with Fr Greg, Saturday 2nd August (5pm)/Sunday 3rd August (9am or 5pm).
Kristy Isbester
Acting Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
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:
Connect: Clara- Year 3
Respect: Fairen-Year 1
Kind Regards, Mr Schwager
Sport News
St Pius X Athletics Carnival
The school’s athletics carnival is being held this 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 Tuesday the 17th (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 a Compass message sent out.
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.
PSSA Sport
This Friday is the last PSSA sport for the term (Years 4, 5 and 6), we would like to congratulate all the students who took part for their sportsmanship and their inclusion and encouragement of others. Thanks also to the teachers/coaches for helping out and to the conveners of all sports.
Our School News
Whats 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 - Zayne, Zoe, Andrew, Edward
Year 1 - Nova, Estelle, Oliver, Maisie, Declan
Year 2 - Tyler, Harry, Eli, Aidan, Vince
Year 4 - Barli, Evie, Matilda, Gurjais
Year 5 - Xanthe, Chelsea, Kingsley, Abigail, Olivia, Georgia, Liam
Year 6 - Katelynn, Kimberly, Harry, James
Happy Birthday !
Cydi 17th
James 20th
Vince 21st
Kinley 21st
Aahana 22nd
Community News
St. Brigid's Parish
St. Brigid's Parish is looking for a part-time secretary - days / hours negotiable. Please contact Fr Greg with expressions of interest and for further info. Contact pp.dubbo@cdob.org.au or 6882 4233.
NSW Health Department Information
Call health direct campaign – campaign resources found here
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the new call health direct Campaign toolkit. The campaign aims to promote the health direct number as the first step to access health advice, care and treatment for non-life threatening conditions.
When you call health direct, you’ll speak to a registered nurse who will help you get the care you need. They can find you a nearby doctor, pharmacist, urgent care service, or even connect you to specialist virtual care. We’re encouraging people to save this number, 1800 022 222, for free, easy access to health advice and care whenever they need it.
The key links are:
- For more information about health direct: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Hospitals/Pages/healthdirect.aspx
- Campaign launch Ministerial media release: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20250521_01.aspx
Thank you for your support to help protect the NSW community.
Vaccination education campaign – campaign resources found here
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Vaccination Campaign toolkit. This campaign aims to raise awareness, support and encourage proactive information-seeking so individuals can make informed decisions about immunisation. These materials are evergreen and can be used throughout winter and beyond.
The key links are:
- For more information about vaccinations: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaccinationinfo
- Translated information about vaccinations: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaccinationinfo#translations
Thank you for your ongoing support to help protect the NSW community.
2025 Influenza Vaccination campaign – campaign resources found here
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Influenza Vaccination Campaign toolkit. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccination during winter, to help increase uptake of the flu vaccine among all of population in NSW, particularly at-risk audiences. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over and offers the best protection from getting really sick.
The key links are:
- Book a flu vaccine: www.healthdirect.gov.au/nswfluvaccine
- For more information about influenza: www.health.nsw.gov.au/flu
- For more information about respiratory illness: www.health.nsw.gov.au/respiratory
Thank you for your ongoing support to help protect the NSW community.
2025 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) campaign – campaign resources found here
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Campaign toolkit. This campaign, which runs until the end of winter, includes budget-friendly and accessible ways for families to:
Eat healthily – tips to eat healthily and drink water, including free low-cost winter recipes and lunchbox ideas
Get active – ideas and tips to help you stay active during winter such as at-home exercises or connecting with nature
Support – free programs to help you and your family keep up healthy habits.
The key links are:
- NSW Healthy Eating Active Living website: Healthy Eating Active Living - Getting healthy starts with small steps