Newsletter Term 1 Week 8, 2024
Welcome to Country
In the Spirit of Reconciliation, the St. Pius X school community recognizes 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
St Patrick's Day
Yesterday was St Patrick’s Day which is significant in our Diocese as St Patrick is the Patron
Saint of the Bathurst Diocese.
To honour this special day, I have included the prayer that was St Patrick’s Breastplate
Christ be with me, Christ within me
Christ behind me, Christ before me
Christ beside me, Christ to win me
Christ to comfort me and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger
Christ in hearts of all that love me
Christ in mouth of friend or stranger.
This pray is still relevant today.
Incidents at School
If your child comes home and tells you about an incident that happened at school (in the
classroom or Playground) and you are concerned about it. I strongly recommend you contact
the classroom teacher to investigate. Please do not contact the other child’s parents, even if you
think they should know. Please allow the school to investigate and handle the situation. It is
important to understand that a child usually only understands an incident from their perspective.
A child is not necessarily lying when their story conflicts with another or when the teacher's
perspective does not match what you have been told at home. Children see their world through
their own limited experiences, which colour their perceptions. Adult perceptions are balanced
with life experiences. Listen to your child as they tell you their reality, but remember that a
different reality may possibly exist elsewhere. Open, honest discussion with school staff is
essential in these situations.
If you are still concerned about an incident or do not feel it has been resolved, please contact
the school and make an appointment with myself or Greg.
This directly correlates with our Catholic Comunity Working Together document which is attached below for your review.
School Values
Our school values are KIND, CONNECT, RESPECT. The staff have chosen these values as
core values that underpin all elements of education and community in our school. We believe
that if every member of our school community embeds these values in their everyday lives, we
should have a community that will thrive. We have noticed that some of our students are struggling to display good sportsmanship in the playground and this has resulted in unkind
words being spoken, disconnection with peers and results in the disrespect of rules, peers and teachers. I
would encourage parents to discuss these values with their children and how important they
are. Asking some key questions may help:
Who were you KIND to day?
How did you CONNECT with your friends?
Did you see other people showing signs of RESPECT?
You may want to share with your family how you enacted our values in your day. Remember
Parents are the first educators of their children and the ultimate role model.
Easter Egg Raffle
Thank you to the families that have returned the Easter Raffle tickets and/or donated an Easter
Egg/gift to the raffle. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the P and F and the children love
the excitement of the easter raffle draw. The more donations, means more prizes to win.
Important Dates
Week 8
Monday 18th - NAPLAN Numeracy Test
Tuesday 19th - Make Up NAPLAN Tests
Wednesday 20th
Thursday 21st - World Down Syndrome Day - Wear Crazy socks to school
Friday 22nd - Cross Country
Week 9
Thursday 28th - Holy Thursday Liturgy - led by Year 3
- Mufti Day with Gold Coin Donation (fundraiser for SJC Cambodia
Initiative)
- Easter Egg Raffle Draw
Katrina Isbester
Principal
Assistant Principal's Address
School Cross Country
Our school Cross Country takes place this Friday (22nd March) at Pioneer Oval (just one
block west of St Pius X – about 9.20am. The whole school takes part with Kindergarten and
Year One taking part in informal races, Year Two to Year Six will run for positions at the
Diocesan carnival (top four runners from each event). If your child cannot participate we will
need a note.
ALL students are to wear FULL sports uniform.
The Diocesan carnival takes place at Coolah on Tuesday 7th May.
NAPLAN
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual
assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
These assessments are now all online (apart from the Year Three writing) and are
automatically tailored to the student.
NAPLAN tests the sorts of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school
and life, such as reading, writing, spelling and numeracy. The assessments are undertaken
nationwide, every year in May.
NAPLAN is made up of tests in the four areas of:
● Writing
● Reading
● Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
● Numeracy.
NAPLAN tests skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the
school curriculum.
If your child would like to have a practice they are available at:
https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site
Assessments Year Three and Five
Writing Completed
Reading Completed
Language Conventions Completed
Numeracy 19th March
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal
RE News
Class Mass
Kinder and Year 6 shared their first class mass last Thursday. Thank you Fr. Nam for
a beautiful Mass shared with our children and for helping us build a stronger
understanding of the parts of the mass..
St Patrick's Day
Yesterday was St Patrick’s Day. St Patrick, as the Patron Saint of Ireland,
has a strong connection with Australian history and culture.
Meet 4 Mass -Year 6
Our first Meet 4 Mass is 24th March for Year 6. This date aligns with Palm
Sunday, where the Year 6 students have been asked to join the Palm
Procession as part of their Confirmation preparation.
World Down Syndrome Day
On the 21st March we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. All of St Pius X is invited to join in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day by wearing your craziest socks to school! This is not a fundraising day but rather a day to celebrate all those amazing people with Down Syndrome, especially Riley, a treasured member of the St Pius X community.
Project Compassion
Project Compassion boxes are due back at school by Holy Thursday, 28th March.
The children are encouraged to do small jobs to earn some money to help
someone in need throughout Lent. For more details follow the link…Project
Compassion
Mufti Day Fundraiser
St Pius X will have a Mufti Day (wear play clothes to school) for a gold coin donation on Holy Thursday, 28th March. All money raised will go towards the St John’s College Cambodian Immersion Experience, where the Year 11 students will assist with the building of three dwellings to house local families in Cambodia. Our donation will help build these dwellings and support a community that faces numerous challenges regarding education, healthcare
and basic amenities.
Jo Taylor
Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
Merit Awards
Kindergarten
Bo, Ziggy,Nate,Henry,Eleanor
Year 1
Rosie,Jack,Noah,Kai,Eli,Dougie
Year 2
Audrey, Kaliysta,Amelia,Siena,Charlotte,Arthur,Hugo,Lily
Year 3
Aurora,Hugh,Gurjais,Abigail,Molly,Lachlan
Year 4
Ella,Aahana,Xanthe,Georgia,Olivia M,Olivia T, Mia
Year 5
Holly,Stella,Mason,Jamie-Lea,Mason
Year 6
Braithyn,Zach,Isla,Ryder
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Digby
Noah
Abigail
Ellyse