Dear Parents and Caregivers of St Pius X, 

Each year on 1st September, the Catholic Church joins with Christians around the world to mark the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This day begins the Season of Creation, a special time from 1st September to 4th October (the Feast of St Francis of Assisi) when we are invited to reflect on God’s gift of creation and how we can care for our common home.

It is a reminder that caring for the environment is part of our faith — to be grateful for the world around us and to take small steps that make a big difference.

At school, we will spend time in prayer and learning activities that help our students understand the importance of protecting creation, showing respect for nature, and living in ways that reflect our responsibility as stewards of God’s earth.

We encourage families to take a moment together on this day — perhaps a prayer in the backyard, a walk in nature, or a simple family discussion — to give thanks for the beauty of creation and reflect on how we can care for it in our daily lives.

I am excited to share the three values that will guide our school community: Compassion, Stewardship and Inclusivity. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the Gospel, these values reflect who we are as a Catholic school and the kind of community we strive to be.

These values were chosen by our staff, with the guidance of the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, to align closely with our renewed Vision and Mission. We are grateful to the parents who shared their perspectives through the parent forum and online survey. Your contributions have helped us to understand how these values are seen and lived within our parent community.

Our students are also beginning to share their own insights, and our staff are discerning practical ways to ensure these values are not only spoken about, but truly lived each day at school.

In the weeks ahead, we look forward to sharing more about how Compassion, Stewardship and Inclusivity will be brought to life in our classrooms, playgrounds and wider community.

Reminder: Prior to my appointment at St Pius X, my husband and I planned an Italian holiday. I will be absent from St Pius X during Weeks 8, 9 and 10 of Term 3, and during Week 1 of Term 4. Following discussions with CEDoW and recruitment processes, I am delighted to announce the following acting appointments whilst I am on leave:

Acting Principal - Mrs Christine Nunes

Acting Assistant Principal - Mrs Shay Lindner

Acting Middle Leader 2 - Mrs Trish Burrows

I extend my congratulations to Chris, Shay and Trish, and am confident that the school will be in very good hands. 

During this time, Mrs Patricia (Trish) Belcher will teach Mrs Lindner's class and will also assist in Kindergarten to provide time for Mrs Burrows to attend to her Middle Leader 2 duties. Mrs Cathy Zamroz will remain teaching 4R in her usual capacity. Mrs Belcher knows our school very well and is well known to our students. 

Mr Sajdovski and Miss Jaklic are also taking some planned Long Service Leave. Coincidentally, we will all be in Italy, but not in the same place at the same time! 

Mr Sajdovski will be on leave for Weeks 8, 9 and 10 of this term. His class will be taught by Mrs Chloe Smith (Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and Mr Frank Timpano (Thursdays and Fridays).

Miss Anna Jaklic will be on leave for Weeks 9 and 10 of Term 3 and Week 1 of Term 4. Her class will be taught by Miss Tierney Dunne.

Lisa Tyson

Principal