Newsletter Term 3 Week 6, 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,
The second half of Term Three is here, it is amazing how fast the first five weeks have gone. It goes quickly when you are having fun and with last week's activities that certainly was the case.
Congratulations to Mr David Schwager for his organisation of the 2025 SPX book parade and well done to all parents and students who played your part so well.
It was also a wonderful Feast Day on Thursday, celebrating St Pius X’s special day; thanks to Miss Kristy Isbester and staff for another great day.
PCYC Programs
This term the whole school will be participating in a four week gymnastics program at Dubbo PCYC. This Friday Kindergarten to Year Three will start their program. A permission note will go out via Compass today for these four classes. Kindergarten students have been sent home with a hard copy of the PCYC membership form today, could these please be returned to Miss Kristy Isbester by Thursday.
Year Five and Six Canberra Excursion
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the National Capital as part of their education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing $45 per student under the PACER (Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program) towards those costs. The rebate is paid to the school and taken off the school fees.
Influenza
We are still having large number of students with the flu, NSW Health provides the following advice;
If you are sick with influenza, stay at home and avoid close contact with other people. Keep sick children away from school and other activities. To avoid infecting others, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever has resolved and until you are feeling well. This is especially important if you visit people at higher risk of severe illness, including pregnant women, infants, older people and people in hospital, residential aged or disability care.
Pupil Free Days
Monday 8th September will be a school pupil free day. Staff will be spending the day with Educational Consultants focusing on our NAPLAN data and other essential assessing methods. The last day of the term (September 26th) will also be a Pupil Free Day.
Have a great week.
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal's Address
Compass & Attendance
A reminder about the importance of registering a reason in Compass for your child’s absence.
A written valid reason explaining your child's absence from school is required to fulfill legal obligations and ensure the school maintains accurate records of student attendance.
Community Outreach Program to Dubbo West Preschool
Year 4 & 5 had a great start to our Community Outreach Program at Dubbo West Preschool.The children, young and old, loved interacting with each other and are looking forward to this week’s visit. We also meet lots of our Kinder students for 2026! What a lovely connection!
RE News
St Pius X Feast Day
I would like to congratulate everyone for the fabulous celebration of our school and its rich history last Thursday. We began with a beautiful Mass led by Fr Greg at St Brigid’s. When we returned to school, we participated in a range of activities that included cookie decorating, making a Pope’s Mitre, learning about the history of our school and we also reflected on our school’s values - Kind, Connect, Respect.
We concluded our day with a sausage sizzle and a fabulous disco.
Year 3 - First Eucharist Retreat Day
Well done to Year 3 for their amazing participation at our First Eucharist Retreat Day last Friday. I had the pleasure to join them for the day and it was wonderful to be able to explore the meaning of the Eucharist on a deeper level.
We reflected on the story of The Last Supper through drama, art and reflective activities. We concluded our day with a yummy feast that was thanks to the sharing nature of our students and their families.
A Prayer for First Eucharist
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for coming to me in the Eucharist.
Help me to always love you and follow you.
Amen.
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 3 Meet for Mass on Sunday 21st September, 9am at St Brigid’s.
We will be looking for some students to assist with the Prayers of the Faithful and invite all students to join us for the Offertory procession.
TERM 3 DATES to Remember
- First Eucharist Masses (Year 3 First Eucharist Candidates) - SPX Mass Sat 30th Aug 5pm; Sun 31st Aug 9am or 5pm - some students may be on other weekends over the coming weeks.
- Term 3 Meet for Mass, Sunday 21st September, 9am (Week 9)
- Father’s Day Liturgy, Thursday 4th September, 10:30am (Week 7)
- Father’s Day BYO Morning Tea/Picnic lunch , Thursday 4th September, 11:00 - 11:30am (Week 7)
Kristy Isbester
Acting Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
Sport News
Bathurst Diocesan Athletics Carnival
Well done to the four students who represented our school and the Western Region at the Bathurst Diocesan Athletics carnival. Mia (Yr 2) came fourth in the final of the 8 year girls 100m; Amity won both the 11 year 800m and 1500m, with the later in Diocesan record time; Timmy did a personal best in his 11 years 1500m and Philomena jumped an incredible 126cm to win the 11 years girls high jump.
Amity and Philomena are now off to Newcastle later in the term to compete at the Polding Carnival. Good luck and safe travels.
Dubbo Stampede
It's time to register for the Dubbo Stampede!
On Sunday 7th September the infamous annual running / walking festival will be held. This year is different in that it will start at Ollie Robins Oval. Choose between the 5.3km, 10km, 21.1km or for those who are really up for a challenge, 42.2km. There will also be a new category of the Meerkat Mile, aimed at 5 -12 year olds.
Most of all it's a great opportunity for a great day out as a family to enjoy the sunshine and start Father’s Day with a bang!
Since 2022, St Pius X have won the school category for the most entries, an easy $500 that goes back into the school. Last year the school also gave the participants a $10 voucher to spend at Burgies. We are hoping to do it all again!! All you need to do is when you register, nominate St Pius X as your school. You can even get your friends and family to do the same.
Well done to the four students who represented our school and the Western Region at the Bathurst Diocesan Athletics carnival. Mia (Yr 2) came fourth in the final of the 8 year girls 100m; Amity won both the 11 year 800m and 1500m, with the later in Diocesan record time; Timmy did a personal best in his 11 years 1500m and Philomena jumped an incredible 126cm to win the 11 years girls high jump.
Amity and Philomena are now off to Newcastle later in the term to compete at the Polding Carnival. Good luck and safe travels.
Dubbo Stampede
It's time to register for the Dubbo Stampede!
On Sunday 7th September the infamous annual running / walking festival will be held. This year is different in that it will start at Ollie Robins Oval. Choose between the 5.3km, 10km, 21.1km or for those who are really up for a challenge, 42.2km. There will also be a new category of the Meerkat Mile, aimed at 5 -12 year olds.
Most of all it's a great opportunity for a great day out as a family to enjoy the sunshine and start Father’s Day with a bang!
Since 2022, St Pius X have won the school category for the most entries, an easy $500 that goes back into the school. Last year the school also gave the participants a $10 voucher to spend at Burgies. We are hoping to do it all again!! All you need to do is when you register, nominate St Pius X as your school. You can even get your friends and family to do the same.
Library News
St Pius Book Character Parade 2025!
Wow! What an amazing community we have at St Pius X School, we had so many fantastic character costumes at our Book Parade last Tuesday.
Thank you to the parents (and grandparents) who helped with the costumes, and thank you to our guest judge, Mr Dugald Saunders, who said how much he enjoyed the event.
Check out the excellent parade of costumes on our Facebook page!
The Winners for each class were:
Kindergarten - Eddie- Tractor, Charlotte - Cinderella, Myles- The Hug
Year 1 - Aurora-Mad Hatter, Maisie-Queen Poppy, Bo-Cheeky Monkey
Year 2 - Douglas-Pizza Taco, Willow- Thelma the Unicorn
Year 3 - Audrey- The Bold Kitten, Will- Titanic, Eve H- Blackboard
Year 4 -Hugh- Ned Kelly, Scarlett-Emu, Lauren- Wednesday, Brock
Year 5 - Grace- Mr Squiggle, Hayden- Okarun
Year 6 -Ali and Katelynn- Gangsta Grannies, Jamie-Lea- The Witches
Our Judges also chose some Book Week Artworks for prizes. Congratulations to the following children:
Kinder - Hunter
Year 1 - Nova
Year 2 - Lilly
Year 3 - Eve H
Year 4 - Princess
Year 5 - Nyola
Year 6 - Whole Class
In the ‘Match the Staff Member with their Childhood Book’ Competition, the Runner-Up was Tim in Year 5, and the Winner was Harry from Year 1. Congratulations!
For those interested, the Children’s Book Council of Australia also released their winners for the best 2025 children’s books last week.
The Best Picture Book went to ‘The Truck Cat’ by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell
The Best Young Reader Book went to ‘Laughter is the Best Medicine’ by Maryam Master.
- Latest Book Club Magazines have been sent home.Orders can be completed online or money and order sent into school in a clearly marked envelope please. Orders close on Wednesday 3rd September.
Kind Regards, Mr Schwager
Our School News
Notification from Fees Liason Officer
All instalment payments for school fees are due by 15th August 2025.
If you are paying via one of the following methods:
Direct Debit
BPAY
Centrepay
Compass Pay/Over counter office payment
Please ensure your scheduled payments will fully cover your fees by 19th November 2025.
Please note: This notice does not apply to families who have previously contacted the Fees Liaison Officer to arrange an alternative fee agreement.
If you are unsure whether your payments are on track, please contact our Fees Liaison Officer, Tracey, on 0427 193 571 for clarification.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Tracey Watt
Merit Awards
Kindergarten - Hunter, Ridwick, Zayne, Bodhi, Charlotte
Year 1 - Nova, Oliver, Aurora, Maisie, Declan, Princess,
Year 2 - Jet, Ivy, Aidan, Kai, Oliver, Kha Thy
Year 4 - Evie, Jadzia, Hugh, Matilda, Estelle
Year 5 - Jet, Darci, Maddi, Dustyn, Lawson, Liam
Happy Birthday !
Estelle 20th
Rori 22nd
Community News
