Newsletter Term 4 Week 3, 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
What a wonderful week last week was; Grandparents liturgy and morning tea, a future Olympian visiting our school, Life Ed van and Harold the Giraffe visiting, our new school mural was completed, a film crew was here on Thursday to record a promotional video for our website, first week of PSSA sport for the older students, the completion of the annual handball competition and we also had our school represented at Dubbo’s annual lawn bowls competition!
GrandParents’ Day
It is always one of our biggest days of the year and this year was amazing again. A massive thank you to Miss Kristy Isbester and Kindergarten for running a beautiful liturgy, thanks to our wonderful staff who put the morning tea together and thanks to all the people who were able to attend to make the day a terrific school community event.
World Teachers day
World Teachers’ Day is observed annually on October 31st, serving as a tribute to recognising and valuing the contributions of educators across the globe.
This international day celebrates all teachers, including our wonderful St Pius X teachers and their unwavering dedication, tireless effort, and boundless enthusiasm shaping generations to come. It is a reminder of the profound impact that all teachers have on individuals and society, spotlighting their crucial role in shaping the future by imparting knowledge and skills to students.
Dubbo West Preschool Visit
This week we welcome Students and Staff from Dubbo West Preschool who are coming to experience ‘Big School’. We have a great affiliation with the Preschool and we thank them for their support.
Have a great week.
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal's Address
Attendance
Attending special school events fosters a sense of belonging to the school community. Expect your child to attend and participate in events.
Setting the expectation for children to attend and actively participate in special school events is a positive step toward creating a supportive and vibrant school community. It contributes to a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond the academic curriculum.
Expecting children to attend and participate in school events instills a sense of responsibility. It teaches them that being part of a community involves active involvement and a commitment to shared experiences.
Absences Reminder
If your child is absent for any reason, it is a legal requirement that you lodge this through Compass and give a valid reason for the absence. Please read the description if you are unsure what code to use. This also applies to late arrivals or early departures.
RE News
Year 2 - Sacrament of Reconciliation Session
As a part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation 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 2 - Tuesday 28th October 6:15pm or Wednesday 29th October 4:30pm or Sunday 2nd November 10am.
- Session 3 - Tuesday 4th November 6:15pm or Wednesday 5th November 4:30pm or Sunday 9th November 10am.
Socktober - Walking together in Hope - Catholic Missions
This Jubilee Year of Hope, Catholic Mission invites us to remember that hope means trusting things can get better through love and care.
This year we’re learning about the people of Zambia, who show us what hope looks like in action — finding joy and strength even when life is difficult. Together, we can share that same hope by helping others in need.
How can we help?
This Friday, 31st October, students are invited to wear their favourite socks with their sports uniform and bring a coin donation to help fill your class’s ‘odd sock’ for Catholic Mission’s Socktober appeal!
"Socktober Spirit:
Walk in Kindness and Fill a Sock to Make a Difference!"
Year 2 - Reconciliation Retreat Day
This Friday, 31st October, Year 2 will participate in a Reconciliation Retreat Day at school. This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon their learning in class, as well as support the final preparation for those students who will be making their Reconciliation later in the term. A special thank you to Mrs Meredith and Ms Goodwin for doing a wonderful job in preparing our students to celebrate this special Sacrament.
A Prayer for Reconciliation
Loving God,
You are always ready to forgive us
and welcome us with open arms.
Help us to be honest and brave
as we prepare to make our First Reconciliation.
Teach us to say sorry when we have done wrong,
and to forgive others, just as You forgive us.
Fill our hearts with Your peace and love,
so we can make good choices each day
and grow closer to You.
We thank You for Your kindness and mercy,
and for always loving us, no matter what.
Amen.
All Saints Mass
Next Monday, 3rd November (Week 4) our school community will gather to celebrate All Saints Mass. All Saints’ Day, a special feast in the Catholic Church that honours all the saints — those known and unknown — who have lived holy lives and now share eternal life with God. The saints remind us to follow Jesus’ example through love, kindness and faith in our daily lives. Parents and friends are welcome to join us at St Brigid, 12pm.
TERM 4 DATES to Remember
- Reconciliation Session 1 (Year 2 Reconciliation Candidates) - Session 2 - Tuesday 28th October 6:15pm or Wednesday 29th October 4:30pm or Sunday 2nd November 10am.
- "Socktober Spirit: Walk in Kindness and Fill a Sock to Make a Difference!" - Friday 31st October, Week 3.
- Year 2 Reconciliation Retreat Day - Friday 31st October, Week 3.
- All Saints Mass - Monday 3rd November, 12pm, St Brigid’s
- Remembrance Day Liturgy - Tuesday 11th November, 10:30 am - St Pius X. Presented by Year 5.
Kristy Isbester
Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
Sport News
State Athletics
Philomena and Amity competed in the NSW PSSA athletics carnival last week in Sydney. Amity achieved a three second personal best in her 1500m and finished 11th in the state, she finished 12th in her 800m narrowly missing out of the final. Philomena jumped a creditable 125cm in her high jump, seven centimetres off her best in a competition where the winner cleared an amazing 150cm!
Well done girls you should be very proud of your achievements.
St. Pius X 2025 Handball Champions
Thanks to all those students who participated in the annual Handball Competition, we have raised $116 for the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers.
The champions were: Charlotte D, Estelle, Brock, Amity, Timmy, James H and Almirah.
The Runners-up were: Kailey, Molly, Henry, Lucy, Jet, Lizzie, and Harry R.
Encouragement awards were; Evie D, Cydi, Travis, Grace H, Keidan, Hope and Camden.
Thanks to all those students who helped referee, without you this event simply does not happen. Special mention to the few students who paid their money but were away on the day – these students didn’t complain even though they were very disappointed but still donated their money towards the hampers.
PSSA SUMMER SPORT (YEARS 4, 5 & 6)
PSSA Summer sports started last Friday (Weeks 2 to 8), this includes Years Four, Five and Six only. We will be leaving school at 9.10 a.m and returning at around 11.00 a.m.
Students will need hat, drink bottle, sunscreen and a good sporting attitude.
We have teams representing in:
- Senior Boys Touch – Lady Cutler – Mrs Aimee Rose
- Senior Girls Touch – Lady Cutler – Mr Greg Cant
- Junior Mixed Touch – Pavans Oval – Mrs Anne Bunn and Mrs Hayley Adams
- Senior Mixed Netball - Nita McGrath - Mrs Michelle Carr and Miss Charli Goodwin
- Junior Mixed Netball - Nita McGrath - Miss Ella Penman
In the past St. Pius X has excelled in all areas of PSSA – one of the main areas is our sportsmanship plus our overall results. We would like this trend to continue so all children attending PSSA should remember they are representing St. Pius X and should uphold the school rules at all times.
Any misconduct will result in the student/s being suspended or possibly banned from PSSA.
The support of parents at games would be very much appreciated.
Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 & 5)
Students in Years Four and Five are able to trial this week at school to represent St Pius X at the Diocese of Bathurst summer sports trials, run in Dubbo in November (20th Cricket and Touch, 21st Basketball and Tennis).
We will conduct touch football trials on Tuesday 28th October and Wednesday 29th October are cricket and basketball day. Students are able to bring their joggers in their bag and put them on before the trials (Wednesday).
Library News
Book Club Edition 7 orders need to be completed by this Wednesday 29th October please.
Wishing you a great week, Mr Schwager
Merit Awards
Kindergarten - Eddie, Isabella, Bodhi, RidwikAjith
Year 1 - Declan, Serenity-J, Elsie, Reuben, Maisie, Fairen
Year 2 - Harry, Jesse, Oliver T, Jack, Olympia
Year 4 - Isaac, Abigail, Jackson, Estelle, Gurjais, Jadzia
Year 5 - Dustyn, Nyola, Timmy, Olivia T, Lawson
Year 6 - Kimberly, Stella, Hope, Elizabeth
Happy Birthday!
Hayden - 28th
Allegra - 31st
Harry D - 31st
Hugh E - 1st
Dustyn - 1st
Community News
Combined Catholic Schools Ensemble
We would like to invite primary students who play a musical instrument to attend a workshop with St John’s College Concert Band and String Ensemble.
The workshops will take place in Week 5.
String Students: Monday, 10th November from 3.30 - 4.30
Band Students: Thursday 13th November from 3.30 - 4.30
Both workshops will be held in the Music Centre of St John’s College.
We will be working on the music you have been playing in your own school ensemble. If you don’t have an ensemble at your school here is an opportunity to join with other students for an afternoon of music.
Please collect a permission slip from your school to attend. Please contact me at j.bowen@bth.catholic.edu.au for further information
Mrs Jane Bowen
Music Ensembles - St John’s College, Dubbo