Newsletter Term 3 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,

A very proud moment last Friday for our school community with two of our students; Philomena and Amity being selected for the NSW state athletics carnival. Their hard work and dedication has paid off.

SJC Year 11 Student - Community Service

We welcome back to school for Week Nine seven past students (Jim O, Dusty P, Amelia H, Ezzie F, James F, Gwen P and Heidi C) and two of their friends ( Ava D and Chloe B) who have selected St Pius X to complete their Community Service for Year 11. 

It was great this morning to see many of them reconnecting with their Kindergarten buddies.

Meet 4 Mass

Please join us for Meet 4 Mass this Sunday at 9am. Following mass is the annual Parish Picnic - You can find more information below. We would like to have as many families attend as possible. 

SPX Summer Uniform 

A reminder that it is the family's decision of what uniform to wear Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays; FULL Summer or Winter - not a mix of both. We thank you all in advance for your support regarding school uniforms.

PLEASE make sure jumpers are clearly labeled.

Parents and Friends Disco

Thursday 18th September, St Pius X Parents and Friends and the school community will be hosting a whole school disco from 6.00 to 7.30pm in the school hall. Parents do not need to stay, but please be prompt with pick up.

Please refer to the flyer in this newsletter.

Gerard Yeo Shield

This Thursday, our Year Six students will once again be participating in the Gerard Yeo shield. This day will also involve Year Six students from St Mary’s, St John’s and St Laurences. The day is held in memory of former Catholic schools student Gerard Yeo, who was killed in the Bali bombings. It provides an opportunity to build a sense of community amongst the Catholic schools, encourage sportsmanship and teamwork, share a Catholic faith in liturgy and promote a sense of unity amongst the Year Six students before progressing to high school. Good luck to all.

Have a great week.

Greg Cant

Assistant Principal's Address

New Girl’s Summer Uniform Option

A reminder that we will have a new Summer uniform option for girls.

Lowes have advised us that the maroon skort is in stock but the blouse has been pushed back to arriving in store on 25th September.  This is a stock issue and not a store issue. This is still before the beginning of Term 4…just!  Otherwise, we continue with uniform option one until the stock arrives in store.

Girls Summer option one: Pink checked dress, black shoes and white ankle socks.

Girls Summer option two: Maroon skort, fawn short sleeved button up shirt, black shoes and white ankle socks .

Reading Everyday With Your Child

We hear it often…Reading with your child is important!  As educators, we see the value of reading daily to boost academic growth in all areas - vocabulary, fluency and comprehension!  But the benefits of reading together go far beyond learning to read…

• Books also help children build empathy and learn how to handle challenging feelings.
• Books build language development
• Books build empathy and emotional awareness
• But most importantly, books build the parent-child bond

For a more detailed explanation, follow the link below for a very enlightening article from the Child Mind Institute.  Why Is It Important to Read With Your Child?

RE News

2nd Thursday Parish Dinner

Last week, Year 6 were invited to assist at the 2nd Thursday Parish Dinner at St Brigids. A very big thank you to Amahlii, Harry, Stella, Kimberly and Lace who assisted on the night. They set the tables, joined the parishioners for Mass, collected dishes as guests were finished, served dessert and helped with the washing up. It was a great community event and the children showed great leadership.

Year 2 Sacrament of Reconciliation - Enrolment Weekends

Families with children wishing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this year are warmly invited to attend one of the upcoming Enrolment Masses at St Brigid’s. These will be held during the following weekend Mass times:

• Saturday 20th September at 6:00pm
• Sunday 21st September at 9:00am or 6:00pm

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.

Meet for Mass

Meet for Mass is a tradition we have to strengthen our connection between our school community and parish community. Our Meet for Mass is this coming Sunday 21st September, 9am at St Brigid’s.

We are still looking for some students to assist with the Prayers of the Faithful and invite all students to join us for the Offertory procession.

Gerard Yeo Shield - Year 6

The Gerard Yeo Shield is a day held for Year 6 students from the four Catholic schools  to honour the memory of a former student Gerard Yeo who was killed in the Bali bombings. The day promotes a sense of unity amongst the Dubbo Catholic Primary Schools. The day will provide an opportunity for Year 6 students to compete in sporting and academic events whilst building school spirit and encouraging good sportsmanship and teamwork. The day concludes with us sharing our Catholic faith in liturgy.

The day is also a wonderful opportunity to promote a sense of unity amongst the Year 6 students before they progress to St. John’s College. We wish our Year 6 students all the best for the day this Thursday.

Rise 

This is a wonderful opportunity for Year Six Students to join others across the diocese filled with games and lots of fun - Please see the flyer below for more information. 

TERM 3 DATES to Remember

• • Gerard Yeo Shield (Year 6), Thurs 18th September (Week 9)
  • Sacrament of Reconciliation Enroment Weekends - Saturday 20th September at 6:00pm/Sunday 21st September at 9:00am or 6:00pm
  • Term 3 Meet for Mass, Sunday 21st September, 9am (Week 9)
  • Staff Retreat Day, Br Damien, Friday 26th September (Week 10) - this is a Pupil Free Day.

  Kristy Isbester

   Acting Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X

Sport News

Polding Athletics Carnival

Philomena and Amity should be very proud of their achievements at last week's Polding Athletics Carnival. Philomena jumped a personal best in the 11 years high jump and placed third. Amity ran second in both the 800m and 1500m for 11 year girls. Since both girls achieved medals and podium positions, they will now represent at NSW state. We are all very proud girls.

Annual Primary Handball Competition

The annual Primary Handball Competition is starting this week and we hope for record participation.

We run the competition with charity in mind. The money raised from the competition is going to the Term Four St. Vincent de Paul Christmas hamper appeal.

The competition schedule will be as follows:

It will be a $2 enter fee with this money due to each child’s teacher no later than the Friday before their competition commences. Year Three, any day this week.

Normal school uniform is to be worn for the event (unless a special mufti day etc); anyone not wearing correct uniform may be forced to forfeit their matches. 

The competition will run during lunchtime with no interruption to class time. If a child happens to be away we are unable to reschedule matches and matches are forfeited. 

It is very important for children to have money in on time; it is a fun activity for a very worthwhile cause.

Student Wellbeing

At St Pius X, 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:  Addison- Year 5

Respect:  Hugh- Year 4

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 - Myles, Winston, Philipp, Kallie

Year 1 - Estelle  Jack, Harry, Maisie, Emerson, Lienna

Year 2 - Olympia, Douglas Paytyn, Lilly, Noah, Oliver, Jack, Sophie, Willow, Mia

Year 4 - Lauren, Isaac, Barli, Hugh, Walter

Year 5 - Aahana, Phoebe, Ella, Mia, Addison, Grace, Chelsea, Olivia

Year 6 - Almirah, Jamie-Lea, Katelynn, Harry

Happy Birthday!

Ali      9th 

Ivy        12th

Travis   10th

Isaac     10th 

Community News

St Pius X Catholic Primary School Dubbo ABN 15679442089