Dear Parents and Carers, 

Last Sunday I was privileged to join twenty-eight of our Year Three students as they celebrated the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. The Masses took place in the Edmund Rice College Hall and I am grateful to Father Duane and Sr Kerry for accommodating this arrangement in COVID times. I would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary work of Ms Renee Maguire, the Parish Sacramental Team and our Year Three teachers who prepared the children so beautifully. Although it certainly was a hot day, the children were reverent and participated in all aspects of the Mass. 

I was also humbled to receive two hampers this week from The Unanderra Catholic Women’s League. These hampers are full of goodies and will be distributed to families in need of some extra support over Christmas. This gift was certainly apt as we enter into the season of Advent. 

During Mass at St Peter’s Basilica on the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis urged people to use this time of great difficulty to pray simply as a family, live more moderately and to reach out to help their neighbours in a way that is respectful and discreet.

I am grateful for our community at St Pius X and the support we give each other. In my role as Principal I witness daily parents, students, parishioners and staff reaching out to help others through simple and kind gestures.

Yours Sincerely,

Pauline Chrostowski (Principal)

Staffing News

After an extensive recruitment process I am delighted to announce that:

• Mrs Alyssa Frew will join our staff full time in 2021. Alyssa presently teaches in a casual capacity at our school and as a relatively new graduate brings to the position enthusiasm and energy.

• Miss Stephanie Shalala will also join our team as a Year Three classroom teacher 1.5 days a week. Stephanie will support Ms Renee Maguire in Year Three. Stephanie has also worked in a casual capacity at our school and brings a vibrant energy to the role

• I would also like to advise that Mrs Carol Lowe will enter into retirement at the end of the year. Carol commemnced at CeoDow in 2002 and started at St Pius X Unanderra in 2005. I wish Carol well as she enters into the next phase, and I am sure she will enjoy some additional time with the grandchildren!

• Mrs Natalie Murdoch, School Support Officer will take up a role at St Therese West Wollongong. Natalie works in classrooms across Kindergarten to Year Six and  her gentle and calm manner will certainly be missed.

• Mrs Cherise Lomas our Catholic Care Counsellor will commence Maternity leave at the end of the year. Cherise has worked at St Pius X each Wednesday and assisted many children and families in her time here. Her position is yet to be filled.

Please note a list of 2021 Staff and their positions will be provided in our final newsletter in Week 10.

Children will meet their 2021 class teachers on the morning of  Tuesday 16^th December.

Sport Information

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Jan Poder  

Vinnie's Return and Earn

A huge thank you to all the students and families who helped with the SPX St Vinnies Return and Earn initiative this year.

As a school community, we were able to raise just over $100 for those in need.

We look forward to continuing with this program in 2021, where we hope to raise more for those in need. 

Thank you

Mrs Lindner 

Message from The Assistant Principal 

Year 6 Camp

Our Year 6 students were able to attend their overnight camp at The Tops, Stanwell Park on Monday and Tuesday of this week. This was a time for them to reflect on the year that has been as well as enjoy each other’s company as their time at primary school comes to an end.

The students challenged themselves during activities and relied on the support of others to push past any fear or comfort barriers. The main activities that the students participated in were Carting, Abseiling, Archery and of course The Giant Swing.

The students were definitely well fed at the camp and had the comforts of motel style accommodation. They were entertained with games in the evening and then took over the entertaining with a newspaper fashion parade. The runway was graced with the presence of princesses, superheroes, brides, mermaids and other characters.

Thank you to Mr Whittle, Mrs Suartama, Mrs Tighe, Mr Farrugia, Miss Connery and Mrs Walker who gave up time with their families to be with our students for this experience.

We hope that this experience and development of teamwork skills will support them in their transition to high school next year.

Mr Farrugia 

RE News

Advent

Last Sunday marked the beginning of Advent- a period of preparation extending over the four Sundays before Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin advenio, ‘to come to’, and refers to the coming of Christ. We typically regard Advent as a joyous season, it is also a period of preparation much like Lent, with prayer and penance. May this Advent be a time of spiritual awakening and renewal for you as you prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the World. 

Christmas Card Project

We have been asked to assist with the Christmas Card Project, which is being run by Sister Myree Harris and the Gethsemane Community. The community provides the security and stability of a home to people who have nowhere to belong and be accepted.

As part of the Christmas Project, nearly 1000 people who are part of this community, will receive 7 personalised Christmas cards each. These cards are the only personal mail these people receive all year and will make some lonely isolated people happy this Christmas.

We would appreciate if each student could please bring in a standard sized Christmas Card with a stamp on the envelope. In class students will write a general message of best wishes. The cards will then be sent to the Gethsemane Community.

Christmas Masses

If you wish to attend Mass for Christmas you need to book online using this link

trybooking.com/BMUVZ

CHRISTMAS EVE:

6pm – TIGS Hall, Fr Duane

6pm – St Therese Church (live streamed Mass from

TIGS Hall and Communion)

7pm – Immaculate Conception Church, Fr Paul Gurr

8pm – TIGS Hall, Fr Duane

CHRISTMAS DAY:

8am – Immaculate Conception Church, Fr Paul Gurr

10am – TIGS Hall, Fr Duane

First Holy Communion Photos to be emailed still.

Chrtistmas Mass Timetable and Registration

First Holy Communion Photos 

Canteen Days  

The Canteen will be closed from FRIDAY 11th December.

Lunch orders are available on Monday and Friday each week. 

Frozen goods ONLY will be available on Wednesdays. 

Please note the canteen will be closed Tuesday and Thursday in Term Four.  

Volunteers for 2021 

If you are interested in volunteewring in the Canteen for 2021 could you please let Danielle Chapman or The Office know your availability please. 

Thank you.