Newsletter Term 1 - Week 11, 2024
Welcome to 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
Parent Teacher Interview
We will be holding Parent Teacher interviews in Week 11 of this term on Monday 8th April,
Tuesday 9th April and Wednesday 10th April.
If you have missed getting an appointment, please contact your your class teacher directly to
organise a suitable time.
School Improvement Survey
On the 2nd May, parents will receive an invitation to take part in our annual school improvement
survey. The purpose of this survey is to provide all stakeholders in our school community a
voice in how our school operates. The survey is straightforward and your responses are
collected, collated and used to inform the school as to where we are operating well and areas where
we may need to improve. This is an important tool all schools in our Diocese participate in
each year. The data collected forms and guides our annual improvement plans for the following year. I
invite all members of our school community to be active in your participation with this survey.
The link to the survey will be live for two weeks.
Pupil Free Day 29 April
The school will be holding a Pupil Free Day on Monday 29th April. This allows the staff to work
collaboratively and participate in Professional Development. The key focus of the day will be
assessment and ensuring our assessments align with the new curriculum documents whilst
providing effective information about student data.
First Day of Term 2 is Tuesday 30th April.
Kindergarten Enrolments for 2025
If you have a child or know of a child due to start Kindergarten in 2025, applications for
enrolment are now open. Enrolment forms can be obtained from the school office or our School
Website. Applications for Enrolment will need to be received by the school by Monday 1st July.
Katrina Isbester
Principal
Assistant Principal's Address
Polding Swimming Trials
A huge congratulations to Phoebe H, Frankie and Stella L for their achievement in
representing the Diocese at the Polding Swimming Carnival last week in Sydney. There were
personal bests and lots of fun.
Phoebe placed eighth out of 17 in the butterfly beating both other Diocese of Bathurst
swimmers, she also swam a massive eight second personal best!
Frankie finished second in her heat and 12th overall (out of 17) in her freestyle, swimming a
two second personal best.
Stella won her heat finishing 10th out of 17 overall in the 11 years freestyle. Also doing a
personal best (1.01 seconds).
Diocesan (Coolah) Cross Country
A note has been sent out to all students selected for the Diocesan Cross Country in Coolah
(top four boys and girls in each of the age groups), this carnival will be held on Tuesday 7 th
May. A reminder that ALL students need to be registered on the Catholic Schools NSW
website, instructions are on the original note.
Students going to Coolah are representing St Pius X at a Diocesan event so all students will
need FULL SPORTS UNIFORM (includes school hat).
Students will need to bring on the day: tracksuit, drink bottle, sunscreen, recess and lunch
(canteen will be operating on the day). If parents would like to take something to sit on it is
advised as we will be situated on an oval with no seating.
Remember to build up that fitness over the holiday break. Dubbo Park Run is a great way to
start a Saturday morning (whole family activity!), 8.00am start at Sandy Beach, remember to
register and carry your barcode – FREE.
ANZAC Day March
St Pius X Primary School will once again be marching in the Dubbo Community March on
ANZAC day (25th April). All students are welcome to join us for this important community
event. Children should wear their full summer uniform, and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
Please meet Staff members in front of the CWA hall in Wingewarra Street at 10:00am. Please
collect your children from staff at the conclusion of the service. Parents are more than
welcome to march with us.
McAuley’s Mufti Day
Congratulations to McAuley (red) who won this term’s house challenge. The members of
McAuley are awarded with a mufti (casual clothes) day this Friday. Please remember that this
does not mean we have a fashion show and many of the classes will be doing physical
activities, so please dress appropriately (no thongs).
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal
RE News
Easter
Thank you Year 4 for the joyful Easter Liturgy you presented last Tuesday. What a lovely
way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, our most important day of the liturgical year.
Thank you to all the parents and family members who were able to join us, we really value
the connection between our school and families.
Meet 4 Mass
Thank you to all the families and staff who joined us for Meet 4 Mass yesterday. It was a
lovely celebration to share together and a great opportunity for us to connect with other
parishioners in our parish.
Term 2 Dates To Remember
5th May | Meet 4 Mass- Whole School (Catholic Schools Week) |
6th-10th May | Catholic Schools Week |
6th May | Years 1 & 2 Mass at St Brigid's 1pm (part of excursion) |
16th May | Class Mass-Kinder, Years 5 & 6 |
23rd May | Class Mass-Years 3 & 4 |
28th May | Confirmation Practice St Brigid's 6:15pm |
1st & 2nd June | Confirmation |
22nd & 23rd June 29th & 30th June | First Eucharist Enrolment Weekend |
Jo Taylor
Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
Library News
Library News
Book Club Orders will be sent home this Wednesday 10 th April. Please let me know if any
books are meant to be kept at school for presents ASAP. Thank you for your great support
with Book Club, as we were able to spend an extra $160 on new books for the Library.
Don’t forget: Library Reading and Relaxing is also available at Lunchtimes on the following
days for the following classes: Wednesdays- Year 1, Year 3 and Year 5, and Thursdays-
Kindergarten, Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6.
Please return all books this WEDNESDAY to the library so we can start off fresh again next term.
Kind Regards,
Mr Schwager (Teacher/Librarian)
Student Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing
Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) will be attending day excursions this week to Wambangalang Education
Centre to participate in activities focused on Personal and Social Capabilities, and Civics and
Citizenship. The dates are: Stage 3 Girls- Thursday 11 th April, Stage 3 Boys-Friday 12 th April.
Please refer to the permission note that was sent home in Week 9 for information on what to wear
and what to bring. The bus will be leaving the school promptly at 9am on both days.
Stage 2 (Year 3 and 4) students will be attending in Term 2 on Monday 20 th May-Stage 2 Girls, and
Tuesday 21 st May-Stage 2 Boys.
Invitation and Participation in these excursions is based on a student’s ability to follow class and
school rules, and teacher direction consistently.
Kind Regards,
Mr Schwager (Wellbeing Officer)
Merit Awards
Kindergarten
Maisie, James, Aurora, Oliver, Nova, Reuben, Estelle, Emerson
Year 1
Jack, Landon, Ivy, Sophie, Harrison
Year 2
Charlee, William, Emily, Evie, Eve
Year 3
Meher, Lauren, Jackson, Henry, Barli
Year 4
Addison, Abigail, Amity, Ellyse, Mia, Aahana
Year 5
Stella, Ali, Katelynn
Year 6
Matisse, Nathaniel, Atticus, Hendrix, Jayley
Happy Birthday !
Atticus Stella
Claudia Shaniah
Aurora B Emily
Brock