Newsletter Term 3 Week 1, 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
Welcome back to the second half of the school year. Lots of changes over the holiday break with a new deck / stairs added to the side of the hall and unsafe / sinking pavers removed and replaced with more handball squares, just in time for the Primary Handball competition. Yet another busy term ahead with many events where we encourage parents and families to attend, starting with supporting many of our Year Six students being confirmed at Masses over the weekend and next week's bookfair (Wednesday and Thursday).
Year Three Cake Stall
Congratulations and thank you to Year Three students and families who hosted a Cake Stall in the last week of Term Two, raising money for a Dingo pup they are sponsoring for the year. This stems from a book the class was reading as part of their English unit. The money raised surpassed the goal, with the extra money going towards a treat for the class later in the year. Well done Year Three, Mrs Buckland and Mrs Taylor.
PCYC Programs
This term the whole school will be participating in a four week gymnastics program at Dubbo PCYC. We start this Friday with Year Four, Five and Six. A permission note will go out via Compass today for these three classes. If any students need to complete a membership form this will be sent separately.
St Johns Primary Performance
Next Monday the whole school will be attending a performance by St Johns Primary - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We will leave school via bus at 11.00am and return around 1.45pm.
Have a great week.
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal's Address
Welcome back to a busy Term 3!
School Uniform
A reminder that students are expected to wear their full Winter school uniform throughout Term 3. This includes long sleeve shirts and ties. Please ensure that haircuts are neat and tidy after the holidays, with no ‘hair-art'. This will save us a phone call to request the problem rectified.
Most importantly, make sure all clothing is clearly labelled so we can return lost items quickly to the owner.
Attendance
When students attend school consistently, they have more opportunities to develop and maintain positive friendships.
Regular attendance at school provides the consistency and continuity necessary for students to develop, nurture, and maintain positive friendships. These friendships contribute not only to the social aspects of school but also to the overall wellbeing and personal growth.
Consistent Presence in Social Settings. Regular attendance ensures that students are consistently present in school, providing them with ample opportunities to engage in social settings. Daily interactions with peers in classrooms, hallways, and common areas foster the development of friendships.
Building Trust and Reliability. Consistent attendance contributes to building trust and reliability among peers. Being present regularly shows a commitment to friendships and helps establish a sense of dependability and mutual support.
Consistent Communication not Online. Regularly attending school allows for consistent face-to-face communication with peers. Students who are present daily can maintain ongoing conversations, share updates, and stay connected with the lives of their peers beyond social media.
Development of Social Skills. Engaging with peers on a daily basis face-to-face contributes to the development of essential social skills. These skills include communication, empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution, which are valuable for building and maintaining positive friendships.
RE News
Confirmation Mass Practice
All Confirmation candidates are required to be present at the Mass practice tonight, Tuesday, 22nd July at 6:15pm. The practice will be held in the Church.
Prayer for Confirmation
Loving God,
Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Help our Confirmation candidates grow in faith, hope, and love each day.
Guide their words, actions, and choices so they may follow Jesus more closely.
Fill them with courage and joy as they prepare for Confirmation.
Amen.
TERM 3 DATES to Remember
- Confirmation Weekend Masses with Bishop Michael, Saturday 26th July (5pm)/Sunday 27th July (9am or 5pm).
- SRC Badge Induction Liturgy, Friday 1st August, 11:45am (Week 2)
- Confirmation Weekend Masses with Fr Greg, Saturday 2nd August (5pm)/Sunday 3rd August (9am or 5pm).
Kristy Isbester
Acting Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
Library News
Library Lesson/Borrowing Days for Term 3 are:
Wednesdays: Years 1, 2, 3 and 4
Thursdays: Kinder, Year 5 and Year 6
New Library Monitors for Semester 2 will be chosen in Week 3.
2025 Book Fair! Our annual Book Fair will be next week: Wednesday 30th/Thursday 31st July. There will be a huge range of great books for sale, as well as lots of fun stationery! Students can buy items during their normal class Library lessons and also at first break/lunchtimes. The Book Fair will also be open before and after school, both days, for parents that want to come along with their children to peruse and buy any books: 8.30am-9am and 3.20pm-4pm. Eftpos and cash are both accepted. This is the major fundraiser for purchasing new items for the Library for your children, as the school receives a commission on all sales, so please support our Book Fair if you can.
Wishing you a great week, Mr Schwager
Wellbeing News
Collector’s Club will commence again in Week 3 on Wednesdays at first break in the Library. This is an opportunity for students to share their collections and/or swap items with others. Any spare Woolies Disney Discs or NRL Cards you may have at home would be very welcome.
At St Pius, 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:
Kindness: Scarlett- Year 4
Respect: Jesse- Year 2
Kind Regards, Mr Schwager
Sport News
PSSA (State) Cross Country
We wish Amity all the very best and safe travels this week as she competes in Sydney for Polding at the State Cross Country trials.
Western Region Athletics Carnival
A reminder to all students selected for the Western Region carnival on the 5th August permission note and carnival levy ($10) was due at the end of last term. If you are yet to send in either of these could it be done as soon as possible please.
Mr Cant will be hosting high jump and relay training in the first two weeks of next term, could any students in these events please pack their joggers daily.
Happy Birthday !
Georgia 7th Parker 19th
Estelle 10th
Edward 12th
Evie 13th
Amahlii 15th