The Gospel last Sunday, John 13:31-35, reminds us that when Jesus spoke to his disciples after sharing a last meal with them, he emphasised the importance of love, stating, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."

This message resonates strongly within our school community. Love and kindness are the foundations of our values, guiding us in how we interact with each other daily. As we nurture our friendships and relationships, let us remember that showing love can take many forms—through encouraging words, acts of kindness, and being there for one another in times of need.

Let’s embrace this commandment and strive to show love in our actions, whether in the classroom, on the playground, or at home. When we love one another, we not only reflect the teachings of Jesus but also create a community that upholds respect, empathy, and compassion.

I am attending the Association of Catholic School Principals in NSW Conference this week. Mrs Christine Nunes is leading the school in my absence. 

Attendance - Arrive to Thrive

I would like to thank our families for your ongoing commitment to ensuring your children's regular attendance at school. I’m observing a positive trend in improved attendance, and this collaborative effort significantly contributes to our students' academic and social success.

I also want to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of full and punctual attendance. While I acknowledge that occasional late arrivals or early departures are sometimes unavoidable, consistent partial attendance can negatively impact your child's learning.

Arriving late means students miss opportunities to connect with their friends, listen to class instructions, introductions to topics, and initial activities. This can lead to difficulties in understanding the lesson, requiring them to catch up and potentially causing them to feel stressed or behind. Leaving early means missing summaries, homework explanations and opportunities to ask clarifying questions.

Research indicates that even being just 10 minutes late daily can result in a student missing a significant amount of learning time over the school year.

Consistent lateness or early departure can establish negative habits that may extend into adulthood, affecting their future education, career, and social connections.

I understand that mornings can be busy, and I appreciate your efforts to prioritise timely arrival and full-day attendance. Here are some tips that may help:

• Establish consistent bedtime and wake-up routines.
• Prepare for the school day the night before (pack bags, lay out clothes).
• Allow ample time for the morning routine to avoid rushing.
• If work schedules conflict, explore carpooling or other transportation options.

I value our partnership with you in supporting your child's education. If you are experiencing challenges in ensuring your child's full and punctual attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

School Hours

Lord God,

We thank You for Pope Leo XIV.

Grant him wisdom, strength, and a loving heart

to guide Your Church in truth and unity.

Protect him, inspire him, and fill him with Your Spirit,

that he may serve as a faithful shepherd to Your people.

Through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Welcoming Pope Leo XIV

This weekend the Catholic Church celebrated the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. His special ceremony marked the beginning of his role in guiding Catholics around the world with faith, wisdom, and compassion. Pope Leo XIV has already shared messages of peace, unity, and care for those in need—values we also strive to live out in our school community. As he begins his important mission, we keep him in our prayers and look forward to following his example of kindness, service, and love.

. 

Year 4 enjoying a visit from Deacon Joseph and wishing him a happy birthday. 

Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion Registration Evenings

This term registration evenings will be held for those interested in making their sacrament of Reconciliation and First Communion (Year 3 and above).
At least one parent/ carer must attend ONE registration evening however students do not need to attend.

Sessions:

Tuesday 17th June 7pm - West Wollongong Parish Centre
OR
Thursday 19th June 7pm - West Wollongong Parish Centre

A $30 registration fee is payable on the night via Cash or Eftpos. Baptism certificates can be brought on the night or emailed through to the parish office at a later date.

Wakakirri: Can You Help?

We are after a truck to transport the Wakakirri sets and props, from the school to Wollongong Entertainment Centre and back. To be safe, we are looking at having the truck packed and ready to go on Thursday 14th August afternoon (it will be locked on the school grounds overnight), used on the Friday 15th August and then returned early Saturday 16th August (again, the Friday night it will be locked on school grounds).

Truck we are after: small moving truck - normal drivers licence (c class), must be covered incase of wet weather. A staff member will drive it.

We are after either a donation for use of the truck or a discount on it's hire price (petrol will be topped up after use).  If you could help or know of anyone who could, please email Mrs Lindner on LindnerS01@dow.catholic.edu.au

National Sorry Day 

Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. National Reconciliation Week 2025 invites all Australians to unite under the theme Bridging Now to Next, reflecting the ongoing journey of reconciliation. It calls us to learn from the past and continue pushing for progress together.

Figtree Grove - Shop For Your School

At St Pius X, students and teachers come together each year to observe National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week, engaging in whole school and in class activities that promote understanding and healing. Through these experiences, students gain a deeper appreciation for First Nations cultures, reflect on shared histories, and are empowered to contribute to a more inclusive and respectful society.

St Pius X Unanderra is joining Figtree Grove Shopping Centre’s ‘’Shop for Schools’’ campaign! We invite parents, staff, and families to shop at Figtree Grove to collect as many points for our school!

The Illawarra schools participating in the campaign are:

• Figtree Heights Public School
• Nareena Hills Public School
• Mount St Thomas Public School
• Mt Keira Demonstration School
• Figtree Public School
• Lindsay Park Public School
• Mount Kembla Public School
• St Pius X Catholic Primary School 

The 3 schools with the most points will win one of the prizes below, and the potential of our National first prize of $10,000 cash.

• Illawarra 1st Prize $ 2,000
• Illawarra 2nd Prize $ 1,000
• Illawarra 3rd Prize $ 500

• Campaign Dates: 12 May 2025 – 22 June 2025
• Prizes for the winning schools: The three schools with the most points will each receive one of the above prizes, a share of $13,500
• Bonus Points: We will offer weekly bonus points to select retailers, which will be displayed on our social media channels.

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