Dear Parents and Carergivers of St Pius X,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the new Attendance Policy, which came into effect at the start of February. Regular attendance is essential for your child's academic success and overall development. Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve higher grades, develop better social skills, and build stronger relationships with their peers and teachers. By being present in the classroom, students engage in valuable learning experiences that contribute to their growth both academically and socially.

Our new attendance policy includes the following key components:

1. Attendance Tracking: We will closely monitor attendance records and identify patterns of absence (including partial absences). This will allow us to provide support promptly when needed.
2. Communication: Parents will receive notifications for unexplained absences or concerning patterns of absenteeism. We encourage open communication, so please feel free to reach out if you have concerns or if there are circumstances affecting your child’s attendance.
3. Support for Students: Our goal is to work collaboratively with families to provide the necessary support and resources to help students maintain consistent attendance.

We believe that every day at school is an opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and thrive. Your partnership in emphasising the importance of attendance is crucial. Please help us reinforce this message at home by encouraging your child to attend school daily and to be on time.

The Policy requires parents who intend for their child to take a period of extended absence (for longer than 5 days) to provide advance notice to the school by completing the Notification of Extended Absence form and submitting it to the Principal for approval. Please refer to the attached documentation for further information. 

Thank you for your support as we implement this important policy.

Our P&F Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday night. Parents and Friends Associations are the primary formal mechanism for the engagement of parents in the faith-life and educational goals of the school. All parents/carers of students at St PIus X are welcome to attend P&F Meetings and events.

The P&F Association exists to:

• provide a collaborative, accessible forum for parents to meet formally and regularly with school staff to discuss matters pertaining to the faith, learning and well being of students;
• provide a parental perspective to assist the Principal in decision making;
• promote social contact among Parents and Friends;
• foster effective partnerships between parents, students, staff and parish;
• raise funds to provide resources to enrich learning and well being in the school environment.

All P&F Executive Positions were vacated at the P&F AGM and the following people were nominated to fulfil the roles throughout 2025. I sincerely thank the following Executive members for accepting their nominations and taking on the 2025 roles:

President: Cath Chard

Vice President: Ashley Pitt

Secretary: Mel McClusky

Treasurer: Margherita Curcio

Lisa Tyson

Principal

You’re invited: St Pius X 2025 Welcome BBQ!

Please see attached invitation for all families to our St Pius X 2025 Welcome BBQ! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families, connect with staff, and celebrate the start of an exciting year ahead.

Date: Tuesday, March 4
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: St Pius X, Unanderra

A delicious steak sandwich will be provided, courtesy of Outback Steakhouse Fairy Meadow for those that rsvp using the link below.

To assist with catering, please RSVP by Wednesday, February 26 via the following link.

WELCOME BBQ

We look forward to seeing you there for a fun and relaxed evening!

NAPLAN

NAPLAN will take place from 12 to 24 March 2025 for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9.

What is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning in the classroom. It is important to note that it is not a test that requires extra preparation or studying. Students are simply asked to demonstrate the skills they have been taught in school.

While NAPLAN is part of the school's assessment process, it is not meant to replace the ongoing teacher assessments of student progress. The individual results from NAPLAN can be a helpful tool for you and your child to discuss their academic progress with teachers.

Why is NAPLAN held in March?
This will be the third year that NAPLAN is held in March, instead of May as in the past. The change was made so that schools receive results earlier in the year, which helps them plan for teaching and learning for the rest of the year.

Why is NAPLAN online?
Since NAPLAN switched from paper-based to online assessments between 2018 and 2022, it has brought several benefits:

• More accurate results: The online format allows for adaptive testing, where questions adjust to match a student’s ability, helping to better measure their skills.
• Better accessibility: Students with disabilities have more options to participate.
• A more engaging experience: Students have provided positive feedback on the online format.

For more information about NAPLAN 2025, including resources to help you understand the process, you can visit the Parents and Carers page on the NAP website, download the NAPLAN Information Brochure for Parents and Carers, and explore the Public Demonstration Site to see how the online test works.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more information!

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data: NCCD

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with a Disability (NCCD) takes place every year. St Pius X staff work consistently each year collecting and recording data about student goals and progress to be counted within the collection.

The NCCD is a collection that counts: 

• the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to disability or learning difficulties 
• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students. 

Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to disability. This ‘help’ allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without disability. 

• The NCCD uses the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
• The Disability Standards for Education 2005 define ‘reasonable adjustment’ as an adjustment that balances the interests of all parties affected.

The NCCD process is a mandatory process which occurs throughout the year culminating in August when data is collected and schools provide this information to educational authorities. 

To commence this process for 2025, our teachers will be  hosting “Personalised Plan (PP)” meetings, at the end of Term 1. If your child has a personalised plan due to specific learning needs you will be invited to a meeting to collaborate on goals and strategies to support your child in the school setting. These plans include uniquely tailored strategies collaboratively developed with parents, carers and at times external providers to address the diverse learning styles, strengths, and areas for growth that each student brings to the classroom. This highlights our commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment at St Pius X.

The following fact sheet provides parents with more detailed information on the NCCD process.

https://www.nccd.edu.au/sites/default/files/nccd_parent_fact_sheet_english_0.pdf

Christine Nunes

Assistant Principal

The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place in Term 2 on Wednesday 4 June (5pm and 7pm) at Immaculate Conception Parish.

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

Shrove Tuesday – Pancake Day at SPX

On Tuesday, 4th March, we will be celebrating Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day! This special day marks the beginning of Lent and is traditionally a time for sharing and reflection. More details will be shared via Compass next week. Stay tuned!

Ash Wednesday – 5th March

On Wednesday, 5th March, we will observe Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. Two liturgies will be held on this day:

• Primary (Years 3-6): 9:30 AM at Immaculate Conception, Unanderra
• Infants (K-2): 12:00 PM in the SPX Hall

All are welcome to join us in prayer and reflection.

Hope for the Illawarra Inter Church Evangelisation Event 2025 - Notice from Bishop Brian Mascord

‘I invite Catholics in the Diocese of Wollongong, especially those in the illawarra Region, to attend this Ecumencial Event, inviting othrs so as to hear the Gospel proclaimed anew. In embracing our Jubliee Year of Hope, consider attending Hope for the Illawarra on March 28-29 in Wollongong.’ Bishop Brian Mascord

Main Events:

Friday 28 March - An Evening for Youth (7pm)

Saturday 29 March - A Morning Event for Children (11am)

Saturday 29 March - A Celebration with Dr Michael Youssef (7pm)

For more information go to: https://www.hopefortheillawarra.com.au/

CAR PARK SAFETY

Please take care when entering and exiting the car parks at drop off and pick up times. These are very busy times, with lots of children around. 

CBC

We’re excited to share information about the upcoming Catholic Business Connections (CBC) luncheon.

Date: Wednesday 26 March 2025

CBC offers an opportunity for professional and business women and men in our diocese (both active and retired) who share common values, to network and engage with each other and leaders representing the diocese. CBC gathers three times a year for lunch and to listen to guest speakers chosen to inspire with their unique stories and share how they relate their work and spiritual life experience to the context of living in a modern world.

Message from Fr Duane

Dear Parishioners,

Please find attached this week's bulletin.

Fr Duane Fernandez
Parish Priest
Immaculate Conception and St Therese Parishes