As we approach the end of Term One, I would like to thank the staff and the students for their energy and dedication to ongoing growth in faith, learning and wellbeing throughout the term.

Our annual improvement goal - Students will demonstrate personal growth and academic achievement through the delivery of evidence informed teaching practices - is underpinned by four key strategies to support staff and students to reach this goal:

• Embed consistent behaviour support in the school to create a safe and supportive learning environment
• Collaboratively enrich knowledge and understanding of how students learn.
• Further refine and enhance school wide collaborative processes that support effective differentiation.
• Improve attendance to enhance engagement and learning

I also take this opportunity to reflect on our Vision and Mission, which underpins everything that we do at St Pius X Catholic Primary School Unanderra.

Vision 

WITH FAITH AS OUR GUIDE WE NURTURE HEARTS AND EMPOWER MINDS

Mission 

Encountering Jesus through word and action

Fostering well being in our community

Enhancing academic and personal excellence

As previously communicated via COMPASS, our Creative Arts teacher, Katrina Hannaford, has accepted a position at St Mary's Star of the Sea College. Although very sad to be leaving our beautiful school community, Katrina is following her training and her passion - Secondary Creative Arts Education.

Katrina has contributed greatly to our school community during the two years that she has been with us.

After thoughtful consideration and discussion with staff and relevant personnel from CEDoW, I have made the decision not to follow a recruitment process to replace Katrina as a Creative Arts teacher. Instead, Mrs Kylie Hertsch will commence as our PE teacher for the remainder of the year. Every student will attend one hour of PE instruction and one hour of STEM instruction each week, allowing our teachers to receive their allocated Teacher Professional Planning Time. 

I am confident that our dedicated, skilled and knowledgeable teaching staff will continue to implement the NESA Creative Arts Syllabus successfully, as has been the experience prior to Katrina’s employment. Our Wakakirri preparations will continue under the extraordinary skill of Mrs Shay Lindner and the many talented teachers and support officers who are assisting her. I am also very pleased to announce that Miss Alana Vezinias has volunteered to work with the choir.

St Pius X is very fortunate to have a high number of skilled staff who are willing to assist in many ways to provide varied creative experiences for our students. 

My staffing decisions leading into 2026 will be guided by the overall needs and priorities of the school.

Lisa Tyson

Principal