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

As part of National Child Protection Week 2025, St Pius X Catholic Parish Primary School is proud to be hosting a special parent event in partnership with CatholicCare.

This session will focus on supporting children to build respectful relationships and navigate healthy friendships, linking with this year’s theme “Shifting Conversation into Actions”. Together, we recognise the important role families, schools and community organisations play in creating safe, supportive environments where every child can flourish.

Date: Tuesday 9th September 2025
Time: 5:30–6:30 pm
Venue: St Pius X Catholic Parish Primary School, Unanderra

Please register your attendance using the link below or by scanning the QR code on the flyer:
Register here

We warmly encourage all parents and carers to attend this important event as we work together with CatholicCare to promote the safety and wellbeing of every child.

Afternoon Dismissal Procedures

Reminders – 2025

The safety of our students at dismissal time is our highest priority. To assist with smooth and safe transitions at the end of the day, each grade has a designated dismissal area:

• Year 1: Thin astro strip near sandstone blocks (outside 1B classroom). Parents wait on the concrete area between the two astro turf areas.
  
  
• Year 2: Brick wall in front of 2 Red. Parents wait on the concrete area between the two astro turf areas.
  
  
• Year 3: Bottom of the stairs, in front of the St Mary of the Cross MacKillop sign. Parents wait under the COLA (office side).
  
  
• Year 4: Near the stairs at the bottom. Parents wait under the COLA (office side).
  
  
• Year 5 & 6: Large astro turf area near the cricket stumps. Parents wait on the concrete area in front.
  
  

In the event of wet weather, parents are asked to wait under the COLA until invited to collect their child from the classroom.

Important Reminder: 

The Adventure Playground is not open after school. Staff are not on duty to provide supervision at this time, and for safety reasons children must not play on the equipment after dismissal.

Please ensure that parents wait for their child in the designated areas, as this supports teachers to make sure children are going home with the correct parent or carer.

We thank all parents and caregivers for supporting these routines, which help us keep every child safe and ensure dismissal runs smoothly.

Christine Nunes

Assistant Principal

Faith in Action

One of our core School Values is Stewardship, and our students have lived this out by spending time with the residents of Villa Maria Unanderra. Last week, our senior choir brought joy to the community by singing a selection of songs for the residents. We look forward to continuing this special connection, with more visits planned over the remainder of the year. 

	SEPTEMBER
Thursday 4th	FATHER'S DAY STALL
Friday 5th	FATHER'S DAY CELEBRATION SOCCER GALA DAY - YR 3-6
Thursday 11th	R U OK DAY ? CRAZY HAIR DAY
Friday 12th	YEAR 2 ASSEMBLY
Thursday 18th	BASKETBALL GALA DAY JNR
Friday 19th	BASKETBALL GALA DAY SNR
Friday 19th	KINDERGARTEN EXCURSION  SYMBIO WILDLIFE PARK
Wednesday 24th	P&F MEETING at 7pm
Thursday 25th	SCHOOL DISCO
Thursday 25th	LAST DAY TERM 3 FOR STUDENTS
Friday 26th	PUPIL FREE DAY
	OCTOBER
	TERM FOUR
Monday 13th	STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL
Friday 24th	GRANDPARENTS DAY

Soccer gala Day (Years 3-6) and Father’s Day

CEDoW have informed us that the Unanderra Oval will remain closed this week due to the state of the grounds.

The Soccer Gala Day has been moved to Friday 5th September.

School will be as usual this Friday 29th August.

We are adjusting our Father’s Day celebrations so that they can still take place on Friday 5th September:

8:00am: Breakfast (Yummy Bacon and Egg Rolls!!!!) for our Fathers and Father figures

9:10am: Assembly/Liturgy led by Year 1 in the hall

10:00am: Open classrooms

The P&F Father's Day raffle will be drawn during the morning.

This adjusted timing will allow our Fathers and father figures to enjoy breakfast before attending the Soccer Gala Day should they wish to do so.

If you can NO LONGER attend our Father's Day Breakfast, can you CONTACT the OFFICE by email or phone BEFORE MONDAY 1st SEPTEMBER.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

We are very much looking forward to celebrating both the Soccer Gala Day and Father’s Day with our community.

A message from Wakakirri Organisers

Congratulations St Pius X Catholic Primary School! We’re thrilled to let you know that your performance, ‘Every Crack Makes You Stronger’, has received a National Award Nomination in this year’s Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival!

This is a huge achievement and something your students should be incredibly proud of.

Your story, creativity, and commitment to inspiring change truly stood out. Your school is now being considered for a National Award alongside other National Award Nominees from across Australia - with the results announced during our Season Wrap-Up TV Special in Term 4. More on that soon!

Awards

• Lead cast award for Performance in Acting
• Production award for Sets and Props
• Storytelling Award for Story Theme and Concept
• Ensemble Award for Choreography
• Storytelling Award for Story Construction and Clarity

Ambassador Feedback

"It was amazing to see so many young performers filling the stage with such energy. From the very beginning, the number had a fast pace that felt like we were racing, keeping the audience fully engaged. The moment when the egg came together was a clever and memorable highlight, and the bed-jumping effect added a playful and inventive touch. Breakdancing sections were impressive, and it was great to see so much characterization from the cast. The production featured an abundance of props and sets, all used effectively to enhance the storytelling. The acrobatics, including leg mounts, splits, and backbends, were executed with skill, and the projection work helped bring the story to life in a visually dynamic way."

- Samuel McKeown, Wakakirri Ambassador.

What’s Next?

• We are in the process of doing a press release and could possibly have WIN News or The Mercury do a feature on our performance.
• In the next email arriving in the last week of Term 3, we will receive the latest results from around the country
• A link to download a free digital copy of our school’s performance (this will be shared to parents when it becomes available
• Refer to QR Code below for the purchasing of professional photos of the night.

A BIG THANK YOU again, to all the parents and volunteers who donated their time and talents to make this SPX performance a success!

UNIFORM CHANGE OVER

From WEEK 9 and WEEK 10 students are able to wear either their FULL WINTER UNIFORM or FULL SUMMER UNIFORM.

As the weather changes a lot during this time students are able to wear either uniform IN FULL.

Official Opening and Blessing Of The SPX Yarning Circle

Join us on Wednesday, 3rd September at 11:40am on school grounds, for our postponed planned NAIDOC Week celebrations and official opening and blessing of our new Yarning Circle and Uncle Kev’s artwork. The SPX community will engage in:

• A smoking ceremony.
• Unpacking of Uncle Kev’s beautiful artwork through student questions and it’s meaning.
• Exploration of the meaning and cultural connections to Yarning Circles to the Aboriginal people.
• Blessing by Uncle Mark and Fr Duane.
• Rotational activities of Indigenous games.
• Invited guests and families afternoon tea and yarn.

You are all warmly invited to attend this special day.

ICAS Assessments

As we near the end of the ICAS sitting period, some important information for you about student results:

When can I access ICAS results as a parent?

You can access your child’s ICAS results online via our Results portal, using your TAP-ID and PIN, 15 business days* after the final sitting day of each ICAS subject.

How to get your TAP-ID and PIN:

1. Your child’s TAP-ID and PIN will be emailed to you shortly after you complete their ICAS assessment purchase.
2. A reminder email with your child’s TAP-ID and PIN will be emailed to you when their results are available to view in the Results Portal. 
3. You can request it using this form 8 to 10 business days* after the final sitting day of your child’s ICAS subject. You will receive it 1-3 business days after you submit the form.
4. Alternatively, you can find the TAP-ID and PIN on your child’s certificate which will be sent to their school approximately 8-12 weeks after the final sitting day for Mathematics. Your school will provide this to you at their discretion.
5. If for any reason you receive the incorrect TAP ID and PIN or you can’t locate it, you can request it using this form.

Book of the Year 2025 Writing Competition 

Gold Dewey Award – Overall Winner In recognition of exceptional creativity, originality, and storytelling skill: Isla F

Silver Dewey Awards – Outstanding Storytelling

• Infants: Luna B
• Primary: Scarlett M

Bronze Grade Awards – Grade Level Excellence

• Kindergarten: Charlie A
• Year 1: Nina P
• Year 2: Luna B & Maxwell R
• Year 3: Dea R
• Year 4: Ruby M
• Year 5: Isla F
• Year 6: Scarlett M
• Unanderra 1 & 2: Vinnie M

Congratulations to all our budding authors! Your stories remind us that adventure lives on every page and that the best journeys often begin with a single word.

Attendance Information

As per the Diocesan Attendance Policy, please submit an Application for Extended Leave if your child requires to be absent from school for 5 days or more (illness exempted). Additionally, if your child has regular appointments to see Allied Health Professionals, please complete an Application for Exemption. 

Congratulations to all students who represented St Pius X, Unanderra at the recent Athletics Trials at Beaton Park.

A special congratulations to Tom F and Mila M, who have been selected to represent the Wollongong Diocese Primary School Athletics Team in 100m and long jump, respectively, at the 2025 NSWCPS (MacKillop) Athletics Trials on Wednesday, 24 September 2025.

Sporting Events for the Remainder of Term 3:

• Friday, 5 September 2025 – Unanderra Soccer Gala Day (Years 3 to 6)
• Thursday, 18 September 2025 – Junior Basketball Gala Day (Years 3 and 4)
• Friday, 19 September 2025 – Senior Basketball Gala Day (Years 5 and 6)

Message from Fr Duane

Dear Parishioners,

Please find attached this week's bulletin.

Fr Duane Fernandez
Parish Priest
Immaculate Conception and St Therese Parishes