Our Welcome Barbeque last Thursday was a wonderful opportunity to support the partnerships between home and school. It was so lovely to connect with our many new families and enjoy a sausage sizzle. Sincere thanks to the Parents and Friends executive, that so capably led the cooking and serving.

The Whole School Mass was also a beautiful occasion, with Father Duane reflecting on the concept of our Parish family, this was certainly apt as we aspire each day to create a community that welcomes and is deeply connected to parents, parishioners and the local community.

Visiting the classrooms on a daily basis is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. I am pleased to note that as we venture into the halfway mark of the term, teachers have developed strong routines and are in the process of collecting valuable data to inform their teaching and learning. I was delighted this week to witness:

• Year Three and Year Five preparation for NAPLAN testing in full swing;
• Sr Kerry teaching the Year One students all about the ceremony of Baptism with a baby doll as a prop;
• Quality Mini and Macq lit lessons taking place. This is an intervention  program  across Years One to Six  that has a focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. This program is for students that have been identified as requiring additional support in the area of reading;
• Kindergarten learning to write and talking about the sounds they can hear in words;
• Progressive Achievement testing (PAT) across Years One to Six, leading to the analysis of quality literacy and numeracy data to inform learning and teaching practises and ensure high levels of learning for all students;
• Children feeling comfortable to learn, leading them to take risks and be engaged in their learning;
• The SPLICED program commencing for selected students (Stretching Potential through Learning in Interactive Challenging Environments in the Diocese);
• STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) lessons being offered to every student across Kindergarten to Year Six.
• Creative Arts lessons, teaching the element of Dance across Kindergarten to Year Six;
• Choir re-commencing across Years Two to Six for interested students.

The growth in learning and faith  for every student at St Pius X is our key priority. I look forward to seeing many of you at the blessing of the backpacks on Sunday at 8a.m at Immaculate Conception Unanderra.