Newsletter Term 4 Week 2, 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
A busy week ahead with lots of happenings! Possibly our biggest visitor day of the year is this Thursday with the wonderful Grandparents’ Day. ALL very welcome to attend.
Olympian Visitor
Today, we had a visit from Miss Jemma Pollard, who connected with our students as part of the Olympics Unleashed program.
The students learnt about Jemma's Olympic journey, how she built resilience, the importance of setting goals and how to find what you are passionate about.
Students heard firsthand about how she overcame challenges to compete in her chosen sport at the very highest level, and how some lessons learned in sport can help to be the best you can be – whether that’s in school, at home, on the sporting field or with friends.
We thank Jemma for her time.
Life Ed Van Visit
This week, each class has the opportunity to visit the Life Ed Van as part of their PDHPE lessons. It is such a worthwhile program and we thank Mr Josh Brady for his time and expertise. Attached to the newsletter is a flyer if you would like to purchase any of their products.
GrandParents’ Day
This Thursday, we invite you all to attend our Grandparents' celebrations; what a beautiful day this is.
We will start with a Liturgy run by Kindergarten at 10.00am followed by open classrooms at 10.30am, morning tea for all visitors at 11.00am and at 11.10am students will join our visitors for a catch up.
SPX Lawn Bowlers
We wish all the best to Hayden, Liam, Grace S and Kim who will represent St Pius X this Sunday at Club Dubbo for the Mid Western Bowls Finals day.
Have a great week.
Greg Cant
Assistant Principal's Address
Attendance
Being punctual is just as important as consistent attendance!
Some helpful hints to set your child up for a prosperous future…
Establish a Consistent Routine. Set a daily routine that includes specific times for waking up, getting ready, having breakfast, and leaving for school. Consistency helps children and develop good habits.
Model Punctuality. Children often learn by example. Demonstrate the importance of punctuality by being on time for family events, appointments, and other commitments.
Limit or Have No Screen Time in the Morning. Minimise distractions such as excessive screen time in the morning. This helps your child stay focused on getting ready for school without unnecessary delays.
Identify any specific challenges or barriers that may be contributing to lateness. Whether it is difficulty waking up or disorganisation, addressing these issues can help improve punctuality.
Signing in and Out
If your child is late for school, you must sign them in through the Compass Kiosk in the school office. Children cannot do this, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if arriving after the school bell.
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 1 - Tuesday 21st October 6:15pm or Wednesday 22nd October 4:30pm or Sunday 26th October 10am.
- 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.
Grandparent’s Day Liturgy
You are like parents
Who have a great sense of humour.
Thanks for the jokes and laughs.
They are good for my soul.
Authour Unknown
Please join us on Thursday 23rd October at 10am for our Grandparent’s Day Liturgy. Following the liturgy, our special visitors are welcome to stay for Open Classrooms followed by morning tea.
10am - Liturgy presented by Kinder
10:30am - Open Classrooms: Students will follow the class teacher back to the classroom where their special visitors are welcome to come and visit the classroom. The children must stay in their classroom with their teacher during this time.
Visitors can enjoy morning tea from any time (provided by the school outside).
11am - Visitors move out to enjoy morning tea outside while the children have lunch in the classroom.
11:10am - Children join their vistors during playtime.
11:40am - Normal lessons resume.
TERM 4 DATES to Remember
- Grandparent’s Day Liturgy, Open Classrooms and Morning Tea - Thursday 23rd October, 10am (Week 2)
- Reconciliation Session 1 (Year 2 Reconciliation Candidates) - Tuesday 21st October 6:15pm or Wednesday 22nd October 4:30pm or Sunday 26th October 10am.
- 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
Acting Religious Education Coordinator St Pius X
Sport News
State Athletics
We wish Philomena and Amity all the very best for their State Athletics Carnival this week. Amity has the 800m and 1500m events whilst Philomena has the high jump.
It is a fantastic achievement to make it to State level, we are all very proud of you both.
Safe travels.
Annual Primary Handball Competition
The annual Primary Handball Competition wraps up this week with Year Six. It is not too late to enter Year Six Boys and Girls.
Week Two | |
Monday | |
Tuesday | Yr 6 Girls / Boys |
Wednesday | Yr 6 Girls / Boys |
Thursday | |
Friday | Yr 6 Finals |
It will be a $2 enter fee with this money due to each child’s teacher no later than the Friday before their competition commences. Year Three any day this week.
Normal school uniform is to be worn for the event (unless a special mufti day etc); anyone not wearing correct uniform may be forced to forfeit their matches.
The competition will run during lunchtime with no interruption to class time. If a child happens to be away we are unable to reschedule matches and matches are forfeited.
It is very important for children to have money in on time; it is a fun activity for a very worthwhile cause.
PSSA SUMMER SPORT (YEARS 4, 5 & 6)
PSSA Summer sports starts this Friday (Weeks 2 to 8), this includes Years Four, Five and Six only. We will be leaving school at 9.10a.m and returning at around 11.00a.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 next 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 went home last week. Orders need to be completed by Wednesday 29th October please.
Wishing you a great week, Mr Schwager
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: Vince- Year 2
Respect: Siena- Year 3
Kind Regards, Mr Schwager
Merit Awards
Kindergarten - Elora, Kallie, Andrew, Lottie
Year 1 - Oliver, Nova, Ziggy, Aurora, James, Henry
Year 2 - Ivy, Zack, Eli, Brian, Kai, Tyler
Year 3 -Kailey, Milly, Micah, Eve, Hugo
Year 4 - Henry, Clara, Cydi, Jax, Harley
Year 5 - Darci, Mia, Drishya, Jet, Georgia
Year 6 - Almirah, Kodi, Mason P, Katelynn
Happy Birthday!
Henry (15th)
Kodi (18th)
Bonnie-Jo (20th)
Liam (24th)
Healthy Harold Products
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