Newsletter Term 3 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
It’s another busy and exciting week ahead, full of opportunities for parent involvement and school spirit. Your support, as always, is both encouraged and appreciated.
Practicum Student
We welcome Miss Georgia Josephs to St Pius X who is joining Year Three for three weeks on a teaching placement. Welcome Georgia.
Western Region Athletics
Tomorrow (Tuesday) we have a large number of students representing SPX at the Western Regional Athletics Carnival at Barden Park. We wish them all the very best.
P and F Meeting
On Tuesday 5th August, I invite you all to our July / August Parents and Friends meeting to be held at Club Dubbo from 6.00pm.
NAIDOC Day
This Thursday is St Pius X annual NAIDOC Day celebrations. The smoking ceremony and Liturgy will start at 10.00am. I thank Mrs Dannah Garling and Miss Kristy Isbester for the work they have put into the day. All are welcome.
St Laurences’ Soccer Gala Day
This Friday we have Kindergarten to Year Three participating in the St Laurence’s Soccer Gala Day at Lady Cutler Ovals. Permission notes for the day went out last week through Compass. No buses are provided due to the early start, all travel to and from the event is the responsibility of the parents / carers. Lunch will be provided for all students on the day.
If any parents or carers would be interested in helping coach / manager a team please contact the school office by Tuesday.
Canberra Excursion
Years Five and Six will be in Canberra next week (Monday to Thursday) for their Stage Three Canberra Excursion.
We wish all safe travels and a wonderful time for our students.
Mrs Michelle Carr, Mrs Aimee Rose, Miss Charli Goodwin and myself will be attending with the students.
Have a great week.
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal's Address
Attendance
Being present in class facilitates active participation and interaction with teachers and classmates. This engagement fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Being present in class is a fundamental component of a comprehensive and effective learning experience. It enables students to actively engage with the learning process, interact with teachers and peers, and deepen their understanding of the subject matter through real-time participation and collaboration.
Class attendance contributes to the development of critical thinking skills. Engaging in discussions and problem-solving activities stimulates cognitive processes, encouraging students to analyse information, make connections, and think critically.
The active engagement that comes with being present in class often leads to increased motivation to learn. Feeling connected to the learning process encourages students to take a more proactive approach to their studies.
RE News
Year 3 - First Eucharist Sessio
As a part of the Sacrament of First Eucharist 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 5th August 6:15pm or Wednesday 6th August 4:30pm or Sunday 10th August 10am.
- Session 3 - Tuesday 12th August 6:15pm or Wednesday 13th August 4:30pm or Sunday 17th August 10am.
Congratulations - Confirmation Candidates
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation the past two weeks. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen you as you grow in faith, love, and service. This is a special milestone in your faith journey, and we are proud to have shared it with you.
Stage 3 Christmas Art Exhibition
The Diocesan Christmas Story Art Competition provides an opportunity for students in Stage 3 to create art works and written reflections based on one of several scripture passages that depict the birth of Jesus Christ.
This year, each student in Stage 3 created an artwork for our own exhibition. This week we are inviting classes to view the artworks to help assist us select the artworks that will go on to be a part of the Diocesan exhibition later this term.
Parents and friends are welcome to come along and view the exhibition, Wednesday 6th August, in our school hall, 3:00pm-3:45pm.
Prayer for St Mary MacKillop
God of all pilgrim people,
You raise up women and men to meet the needs of every age.
In Mary MacKillop, we celebrate a journey of deep love and sensitivity to your will. Like her, may we learn to grow in appreciation of the fullness of your love and the depth of your mystery.
Help us to transform the ordinariness of our lives as we reach out to others through the daily challenges of our journey towards you.
Amen
TERM 3 DATES to Remember
- First Eucharist Session (Year 3 First Eucharist Candidates) - Tuesday 5th August 6:15pm or Wednesday 6th August 4:30pm or Sunday 10th August 10am.
- St Mary MacKillop Feast Day, Friday 8th August (Week 3)
Kristy Isbester
Acting Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
Sport News
Western Region Athletics Carnival
Good luck to all 53 athletes competing at the Western Region Athletics carnival this week (Tuesday). Mr Schwager, Miss Penman and Mr Cant will be supporting the students on the day.
Please see the canteen menu below, the canteen is Cash Only.
Rugby Union Clinics
Starting tomorrow and continuing for the remainder of the term (Tuesdays) all classes will be participating in Rugby Union clinics thanks to NSW Rugby Union.
Dubbo Stampede
With five weeks to go, it's time to register for the Dubbo Stampede again!
On Sunday 7th September the infamous annual running / walking festival will be held. This year is different in that it will start at Ollie Robins Oval. Choose between the 5.3km, 10km, 21.1km or for those who are really up for a challenge, 42.2km. There will also be a new category of the Meerkat Mile, aimed at 5 -12 year olds.
Most of all it's a great opportunity for a great day out as a family to enjoy the sunshine and start Father’s Day with a bang!
Since 2022, St Pius X have won the school category for the most entries, an easy $500 that goes back into the school. Last year the school also gave the participants a $10 voucher to spend at Burgies. We are hoping to do it all again!! All you need to do is when you register, nominate St Pius X as your school. You can even get your friends and family to do the same.
Student Wellbeing
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: Ralph- Year 6
Respect: Dustyn- Year 5
Kind Regards, Mr Schwager
Our School News
NAIDOC DAY
St Pius X will be celebrating NAIDOC Day on Thursday the 7th of August.
Our NAIDOC Liturgy will commence from 10am which will end with a smoking ceremony with Dinawan's Connection, continuing into our sausage sizzle lunch.
We invite all families to attend and be apart of our celebrations.
Students are to come dressed in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander inspried clothing or colours (Black, Yellow, Red, Green, Blue, White) with enclosed shoes.
Students will also be offered Johnny Cakes for recess, however please ensure you pack extra recess snacks.
We have a great day outlined and look forward to celebrating our First Australians together.
Thank you,
Mrs Dannah Garling (AEO)
Merit Awards
Kindergarten - Andrew, Evie, Myles, Isabella
Year 1 - Venus, Jack, Harry, Freya, Emerson, Lienna
Year 2 - Olympia, Douglas, Paytyn, Lilly, Noah, Oliver
Year 3 - Rori, Mele, Allegra, William, Amelia, Desyrae
Year 4 - Henry, Clara, Molly, Frankie
Year 5 - Hayden, Kingsley, Lucy, Abigail, Ellyse, Amity
Year 6 - Mason, Camden, Ralph, Parker
Happy Birthday !
Jadzia 28th
April 30th
Jet 1st