2023 Annual School Improvement Plan

In 2022, St Pius X were part of a process known as Cyclic Review. This involved representatives of the Diocese of Wollongong, external panel members and parents providing important feedback on our areas of strengths and recommendations for the future.

I was delighted to receive the report from the panel and in particular the summary findings that noted:

“ There is so much to celebrate in the school and its remarkable growth and development, particularly in the last three years. The leadership of the school is enthusiastic, increasingly skilled and deeply committed to improvement. The culture and human climate of the school is absolutely superb and the panel recognises this school as one with significant future potential”

The feedback from the panel was used by staff and the School Leadership Team, in consultation with the Catholic Education Office, to develop the St Pius X Annual Improvement Plan for 2023. This year we will see the staff at St Pius focus on a number of Annual Improvement Goals which are outlined below. 

1. By the end of 2023 all students and staff will have engaged in contemporary and meaningful prayer experiences so that their faith experiences are enhanced.

2. By the end of 2023, teachers will have designed quality assessment tasks in numeracy so that they can make informed pedagogical decisions for student growth. 

Teacher professional learning will be an integral component of the St Pius X Annual Improvement Plan. Teachers will be released from their teaching load throughout the year to engage in professional learning targeted to the above annual improvement goals.

School Facilities Update

Throughout the January pupil vacation period our school underwent some significant maintenance work. This involved a refurbishment of the Library and Kindergarten spaces, including new carpet and additional learning spaces established.

I am grateful for a generous grant that was received from Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong to allow these works to happen.

We have also purchased a shipping container to safely store our hall tables and chairs and have been fortunate to secure a furniture grant, which has seen new desks and chairs in Year 3 and 4. New library furniture is also in the process of being ordered.

I acknowledge the strong support of the Catholic Education School properties team in these initiatives, in particularly Mr Franc Spinelli.

Grade Information Overviews and Meet and Greet Parent and Carer Sessions

On Friday 3rd February Grade Information Newsletters will be distributed to parents and carers in Years One to Six. A hard copy will be provided and they will also be sent electronically via COMPASS.

The Grade Information Newsletters outline important days and information pertaining to the classrooms. Information on Key Learning Areas will be provided in the fortnightly newsletters throughout the year.  

In weeks 3 and 4 parents and carers are invited to Meet and Greet sessions with their child’s teacher. I encourage you to book a time to meet your child’s teacher and develop meaningful goals for the year ahead.

Please note Kindergarten Meet and Greet sessions, along with 1 Red will be held later in the term. Grade infromation newsletters for Kindergarten will also be sent, once classes are established.

 Sun Safety

As per our sun safety expectations children are required to wear a school hat whilst outdoors. Sun cream is also provided in each classroom and children are encouraged to apply before breaks. If your child has an allergy to sun cream please inform your child’s class teacher.

Please find attached our Sun Safety protocols and information regarding the application of sun cream at school.

Student Information

If there has been any change of information in relation to your child, please contact the office as soon as possible.  This could include change in emergency contacts, change of address, email or phone number, or updated medical information.

Please note that children will only be dismissed in the afternoon to their Parent / Carer, unless the school has been notified of a change of pick-up arrangements.

BIRTHDAYS

When children are celebrating a birthday, parents at their discretion may choose to send in an item for the classroom to distribute to the students. We ask that this item is nut free, packaged and individual. Please note if a child has allergies the classroom teacher will offer a substitute.

 PETS

Bringing pets onto school grounds is not permitted. Having pets at school poses safety and health risks for students and teachers, especially for those who have allergies which can be triggered by certain animals. This includes for news/show and tell or when walking students to and from school. Special requests for animals on site need to be in writing to the Principal. A risk assessment will then determine the outcome of this.

Please note Assistance dogs are acceptable.

Welcome BBQ