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Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the final week of Term 3, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support of our students, staff, and school community. It has been a busy and rewarding term, and we are grateful for the many ways you contribute to the life of St Pius X.
We are very pleased to share that Mr Bill Whittle will be returning in Term 4. Mr Whittle will also resume his position as Stage Leader for Stage 3. We warmly welcome Mr Whittle back to our school community.
I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Walker for the way she has stepped into the Middle Leader role across Term 2 and Term 3. Her leadership and commitment have been greatly valued by staff, students and Parents.
We also extend our thanks to Miss Dominis for her dedicated work with Year 5 during this period. Her support and care have been deeply appreciated.
This Friday will be a pupil free day as staff engage in professional development. The focus of the day will be Day 2 of the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), which centres on the importance of relationships in supporting student learning and wellbeing. The Berry Street Education Model equips teachers with strategies to meet the specific needs of students, particularly in building resilience, fostering engagement, and strengthening relationships.
Day 2 highlights how strong, respectful relationships between teachers and students — and among students themselves — create the foundation for effective learning. This work also connects directly with our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) expectations, as both BSEM and PB4L emphasise consistent routines, positive relationships, and respectful interactions to build a safe and supportive environment for all students.
During the holiday break, maintenance works will be taking place around the school. This will include upgrades to lighting in outdoor areas and painting of the administration building. This work has been a long time coming and we look forward to returning to a refreshed and improved environment in Term 4.
As we head into the school holidays, I encourage all families to take time to rest and enjoy being together. We look forward to an exciting and productive Term 4 as we journey toward the end of the year.
Kind Regards,
Christine Nunes
Acting Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we wrap up another busy term, I would like to thank all our families for their continued support and partnership in learning. I wish our students and parents a safe, relaxing holiday break.
The school holidays are a great chance to enjoy the outdoors, spend quality time together and help children build healthy habits around technology. Triple P’s tips offer simple ways for families to stay connected while navigating screen time with confidence.
Parents are encouraged to explore apps and games with their children, set up a holiday screen time schedule and have relaxed conversations about online safety and respectful behaviour. Showing interest in what your child is watching or playing, checking content together and role-playing “what if” scenarios can all help build trust and resilience.
For more ideas and free resources, visit www.esafety.gov.au.
School Photos Sent Home This Week
School photographs have been sent home with students this week - please check your child’s school bag to ensure you’ve received them. The School Photographer will be visiting St Pius X on Wednesday, 1st April 2026. Please mark your calendars.
Year 5 Leadership Day – Growing Future Leaders
On Monday, 22nd September, all Year 5 students took part in our Leadership Day, led by Mrs Walker - a powerful opportunity to explore what it truly means to be a leader, both within our school and beyond.
The day was built around some big questions: What does leadership look like in our everyday lives? How do people lead and make a difference? What kind of leader am I - and how can I grow into that role? Through a series of hands-on activities and reflective discussions, students unpacked ideas like Authentic Leadership as Influence, Service as Influence and the importance of Everyday Moments in shaping who they are.
One of the highlights was the “What Leader Am I?” session, where students identified their strengths and considered how they might use them to serve others. Year 5 finished the day by looking ahead to the Preparing for Leadership in 2026 process, which helped students understand the responsibilities and expectations that come with stepping into leadership roles.
It was wonderful to see our students thinking deeply, working collaboratively and beginning to see themselves as leaders - not just in the future, but right now. Before putting themselves forward for leadership positions, it’s vital they understand what leadership truly involves: influence, service and the courage to act with integrity.
We’re incredibly proud of the way Year 5 embraced the day and look forward to seeing their leadership journey continue!
I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the final term of the 2025 school year!
Shay Lindner
Acting Assistant Principal
The SPX Family Feast Fun Day has been rescheduled for Friday 17th October (Week 1, Term 4). On this day, we will also celebrate the launch of Catholic Mission Month.
Student reminders:
- Wear a white shirt with house colour accessories (black shirt if child does not want to participate in colour run)
- Wear crazy socks in recognition of Catholic Mission Month and bring a gold coin donation
- Students will enjoy a sausage sizzle, kindly prepared by the P&F
Schedule for the day:
- 9:15am – Liturgy and fundraising coin snake - Students will place their gold coins on the playground to make a long snake (the more coins the longer the snake!)
- 10:30am – Recess / Munch & Crunch
- 11:00am – Walk to the oval
- 11:30am – Rotations
- 2:00pm – Colour Run
- 2:30pm – Return to school or dismissal from the oval. Parents to see class teachers for sign out.
We look forward to celebrating this special day together with plenty of fun, community spirit, and faith in action.
CHRISTMAS STORY ART
This term our stage 3 students worked on creating artworks to match scripture for the Diocesan Christmas Story Art competition.
Thank you to the Stage 3 teachers, Mrs Walker and Mrs Farrugia for assisting with the creation of these artworks.
The following students were selected to be sent into the Catholic Education Office for judging.
Congratulations and good luck!!!
Tristan Garcia, Kingston Merrett, Logan Sepple, Mia Schellenberg, Catherine Own and Charlotte Peterson.
SEPTEMBER |
|
Thursday 25th |
School Disco |
Thursday 25th |
LAST DAY TERM 3 FOR STUDENTS |
Friday 26th |
PUPIL FREE DAY |
OCTOBER - TERM 4 |
|
Monday 13th |
STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL |
Friday 17th |
Fun day & Colour Run |
Friday 24th |
Grandparents Day |
Thursday 30th |
Kindergarten 2026 - Playgroups commence 2.00pm - 3.00pm |
Friday 31st |
Kindergarten Playgroups 9.30am - 10.30am |
NOVEMBER |
|
Sunday 2nd |
Parish Community Fun day @ ERC |
Thursday 6th |
Kindergarten Playgroups 2.00pm - 3.00pm |
Friday 7th |
Kindergarten Playgroups 9.30am - 10.30am |
Friday 7th - Friday 21st |
Learn to Swim Program - Yr 2 & Yr 4 |
Monday 10th - Friday 14th |
Life Education Van |
Wednesday 12th - Friday 14th |
Year 6 Camp |
Friday 14th |
Kindergarten Playgroups 9.30am - 10.30am |
Thursday 20th |
Kindergarten Playgroups 2.00pm - 3.00pm |
Friday 21st |
Kindergarten Playgroups 9.30am - 10.30am |
Thursday 26th |
Volunteers Thank You - 2.00pm-3.00pm |
Thursday 26th |
P&F Meeting |
Thursday 27th |
Kindergarten Orientation and Playgroup 9.30am - 11.00am |
Friday 28th |
Swimming Carnival |
Saturday 29th |
First holy communion |
DECEMBER |
|
Wednesday 3rd |
End of Year mass & ACE Awards |
Thursday 4th |
Year 6 - Jamberoo Recreation Park |
Monday 8th |
Year 6 Graduation |
Friday 12th |
Promotions Morning |
Monday 15th |
Christmas Concert & Special Visitor |
Wednesday 17th |
STUDENTS LAST SCHOOL DAY |
2026 |
|
JANUARY - TERM 1 |
|
Tuesday 27th - Wednesday 28th |
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS |
Thursday 29th |
Year 1 - Year 6 Return |
Friday 30th |
Kindergarten commence |
ADDITIONAL SCHOOL PHOTOS
If you would like to place any additional photo orders please follow the information below.
GRANDPARENTS DAY
The holidays are full of trips, visits, and family fun – but it’s also the perfect time to keep your reading spark alive! Reading doesn’t always have to mean sitting with a book (although that’s lovely too!) – there are so many fun ways to sneak stories and words into your adventures.
Here are some quick ideas to try:
- Build a blanket reading den/cubby and snuggle up with a torch and a favourite story.
- Visit your local library – it’s free, exciting, and you might even find a holiday reading challenge or storytelling session!
- Turn everyday outings into a game by spotting street signs, menus, and timetables together.
- Keep a holiday scrapbook or postcard collection – your very own memory book you can share when school starts again.
- Get creative – read recipes while cooking, menus at cafés, or even cereal boxes at breakfast!
Most importantly, make it fun and relaxed. Reading together builds confidence, sparks imagination, and makes wonderful family memories. Happy Reading!
STAGE 3 PUBLIC SPEAKING
On Monday, our Stage 3 public speaking nominees impressed us with powerful speeches on topics ranging from lessons from our past to “Is social media really being social?”
Their confidence and creativity lit up the stage!
A big thank you to our adjudicators from Toastmasters for their expert guidance.
Congratulations to Dion Talevski (Year 5) and Claudia Davis (Year 6), who will proudly represent our school in the diocesan finals.
We are cheering you on!!!
Wakakirri Update - National Season Wrap-Up TV Special
Wakakirri are thrilled to celebrate the National Award Nominees from our region. Congratulations to Balgowlah North Public School, Green Point Christian College, Hornsby South Public School, Strathfield North Public School, Dapto Public School, St Pius X Catholic Primary School, Hamilton South Public School, MLC School - Secondary and Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Tumbi Umbi Campus! These schools are now in the running for a National Festival Award, standing alongside other incredible schools from across Australia.
Plus, all participating schools are also being considered for a National Special Merit Award, which will be revealed during our Season Wrap-Up TV Special on the Wakakirri website.
Wakakirri organisers can’t wait to share the show! It’s packed with highlights from the season, National Award results, fun skits, behind-the-scenes moments and even some student co-hosts! Our school could be featured for all the creativity and energy we brought to our Story-Dance - Every Crack Makes You Stronger.
What’s Next?
Mark your calendar, 15th October, where Wakakirri will be announcing the results of the National Festival Awards as part of their Season Wrap-Up TV Special.
School performance video is now available: Click HERE to download.
Important Reminder – Anaphylaxis Awareness
At St Pius X, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We have several students with life-threatening allergies, and even the smallest trace of peanuts or nut products can cause a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis.
We ask families to show compassion for those living with this condition by avoiding peanuts, peanut butter, Nutella, and other nut products in lunchboxes. This small act helps us keep vulnerable children safe.
As a school, teachers constantly remind students not to share food. We would really appreciate the support of parents by having regular conversations with your child about the importance of this practice. By working together, we create an inclusive environment where every child feels secure and able to participate fully in school life.
The following can also be found in the Parent Handbook:
ANAPHYLAXIS
We have several children in the school who are allergic to nuts. Their allergies are life threatening, therefore, we are a nut AWARE school and ask parents not to send their children to school with peanuts, peanut butter, nutella and peanut products.
There is an expectation that children do not share food in any grade.
PRINCIPAL AWARDS
Alek Kozaroski - 2B
Freddie Herbert - 3B
Noah Stewart - 3B
Orlando Curcio - 3B
Zara Moretti - 3B
Emma McCluskey - 3R
Evie Moon - 3R
Harrison Kalsow - 3R
Joelle Cremen - 3R
Michael Scognamiglio - 3R
Hudson Matthews - 4B
Isla Farrugia - 4B
Olivia Handley - 4B
Scarlette De Santis - 4B
Zoe McCluskey - 4B
Holly Mackaway - 4R
Ezekiel Bubb - 6R
Riley Hill - 6R
SCHOOL MEDALLIONS
Ezekiel Bubb - 6R
Medallions will be presented in Term 4 by Mrs Tyson.
Congratulations to all of these students.
MACKILLOP ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Tom Fischer & Mila McPherson competed at the 2025 MacKillop Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic park on Wednesday.
Tom competed in the 100m and Mila competed in the long jump.
Tom achieved an impressive 3rd place in the 100m final, while Mila also placed 3rd in the long jump, recording a personal best.
They will now compete for the MacKillop team at the Athletics PSSA event.
We are very proud of their efforts and achievements at this high level of competition.
GATSBY GALA NIGHT!!!!

My School Connect has updated their platform.
Message from Fr Duane
Dear Parishioners,
In the recent Immaculate Conception Parish bulletin, the following invitation was shared:
As the current season of Alpha concludes, the parish will host a special “Come and See” evening on Wednesday 15th October at 7:00pm in the St Therese Parish Centre. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from people who have recently taken part in Alpha and to get a glimpse of what it is all about.
Over the past six seasons of Alpha, more than 250 people from all walks of life have experienced a new or deeper encounter with Jesus and His Church. You may wish to come along yourself, or perhaps you feel prompted to invite someone who might be searching and open to exploring faith.
You can register using the QR code provided in the parish bulletin (found here) or by contacting the parish office.
In addition, a number of adults have recently expressed interest in becoming Catholic. If you, or someone you know, would like more information about the preparation program, please contact the parish office directly.
Reminder:
Looking ahead, our parish of Immaculate Conception, together with St Therese Parish, will once again host the Annual Community Fun Day on Sunday 2nd November 2025 at Edmund Rice College. This will be a wonderful celebration for people of all ages, and Fr Duane is inviting support to help make the event a success. If you have ideas to add to the day’s activities, or if you would like to be part of the planning committee, please contact the Parish Office. Your involvement will be warmly welcomed.
Please find attached this week's bulletin.
Fr Duane Fernandez
Parish Priest
Immaculate Conception and St Therese Parishes