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Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you for presenting the children so well in their uniforms for their return to school for Term Two. Students will officially commence wearing their winter uniform on Monday 10th May. (Following Mother’s Day). In the interim parents may use their discretion regarding Summer or Winter uniform, dependent on the weather. Please note that with eased restrictions you may now access our on-site Second-Hand Uniform Shop, with all items $5. Please feel free to drop in and have a look, all donations are happily accepted!
The children certainly enjoyed sharing their holiday stories on their return to school and reconnecting with friends. I was impressed to see how well the children had remembered their routines and am delighted with how settled the classrooms and playgrounds are. I am so proud of the students and their lovely manners and the way they interact with staff! Well done to all of our boys and girls for the way you engage in such a respectful manner.
During the holiday period our Parish of Immaculate Conception reached out to our families with an invitation of welcome and friendship. Father Duane, Sr Kerry and myself were so humbled to see so many of you take up this invitation , with over 100 people attending a community picnic at Byarong Park, Mt Keira. It was a fun day of games and socialising. I look forward to the next Parish / School event and engaging with those of you who are available to join us in the spirit of community. Thank you to Sarah Marsala (Mother of Gabriella and Chiara for assisting with the organisation of the picnic).
Finally, I was humbled to read of a story of the Fraser family (Georgia Yr 4), who in the spirit of ANZAC day, decorated the neighbouring driveway of Peter Poulton, a grandfather at our school for many years and also a veteran of the Vietnam war. We always enjoyed listening to Peter’s recounts of the war and he has served the community in so many ways. I am also heartened that our students took time to participate in ANZAC day activities in their class and reflect on our history and the importance of this special today at a level appropriate to their age.
Yours in faith and learning,
Pauline Chrostowski - Principal
The following students will receive awards for Week 1 and Week 2
Merit Awards
| Week 1 | Week 2 |
|
KB: Sophie S, Karli O KR: Zoe M, Dion D 1B: Matthew H 1R: Courtney M, Stephanie C 2B: Ezekiel B, Scarlett R 2R: Olivia J, Savannah H 3B: Bronte C, Noah L, Sienna G 4B: Emma V, Daniel Z 4R: Hope G, Montana B 5B: John C, Ike M 5R: Katelyn H, Orlando B 6B: Harrison C, Xavier F 6R: Luis C, Levay S |
KB: Ryley M, Isla F KR: Mali R, William J 1B: Leonardo C, Audrey K 1R: Matteo S, Jaxon G 2B: Claudia D, Emmett T 2R: Riley H, Zach O 3B: Bella G, Sharbel J, Charlotte M 4B: Zak P, Eliza G 4R: Thomas K, Jaime B 5B: Addison B, Zaylen H 5R: Alejandro M, Olivia S 6B: Joshua C, Eden K 6R: Kai W, Scarlett D |
When you have 5 Merit Awards, you qualify for a PRINCIPAL AWARD
Principal's Award
Bronte B - 3B
Natalie C - 3B
Hope G - 4R
Emma V - 4B
When you have 3 Principal's Awards, you will qualify for a Mackillop Award
Mackillop Award
When you have 2 Mackillop Awards, You qualify for a School Medallion
School Medallion
Students that have qualified for a Medallion will be presented with them later in the year by Mrs Chrostowski.
Congratulations to all of these students.
News Flash: Assemblies are back!!
It is wonderful that with the easing of restrictions we can now welcome back parents to our Assemblies. Each grade will host an assembly, and parents of that grade are invited to attend. If your child is receiving a Mary Mackillop or Principal’s Award you are also welcome to attend. (Please keep a look out for student recipients each week in the newsletter). All other merits will be distributed in the classrooms as we slowly transition to hosting onsite events.
Where: St Pius X School hall
When: 2.15p.m
Kindergarten: Friday 14th May
Year One: Friday 7th May
Year Two: Friday 28th May
Year Three: Friday 18th June
Year Four: Friday 11th June
Year Five: Friday 4th June
Year Six : Friday 21st May
Kindergarten Enrolments 2022
Thank you to all those families who have submitted a Kindergarten Enrolment for 2022. Kindergarten interviews will take place this term and details will be sent shorty.
Staffing News
It is with mixed emotions that I announce Mrs Susan Adams, our much loved Senior School Support Officer will be leaving us at the end of this term. Susan has decided to commit more time to her family and after 11 years of outstanding service to the community has tendered her resignation.
Susan has been a wonderful asset to our school community, She has committed herself to ensuring our school office has operated smoothly and effectively, and has ensured our school is a wlecoming place. We thank Susan for her exemplary management of the office and her generosity of spirit to all in our community.
Susan you will be missed!
Book Club
A reminder that Book Club Orders are due in on THURSDAY 5th May.
Sporting News
Cross Country
On Thursday 1st April the Students participated in the Cross Country Carnival, we have attached some fabulous photos from the day.
NAPLANDuring Week Four students in Year Three and Year Five will be participating in the NAPLAN Online. Students have sat practice tests to check that the system will hold up, while also giving students an opportunity to see and experience what the questions may be like. This is an exciting opportunity to see where students are sitting academically at this point in time. If your child is anxious about these tests please let the classroom teacher know. All we ask is that students try their best. Tests will be held each day Tuesday through to Friday.Tuesday - Writing (Year 3 on paper)Wednesday - ReadingThursday - Language ConventionsFriday - NumeracyIf you would like to know more about NAPLAN visiting www.nap.edu.au should answer any questions you have or alternatively please ask the classroom teacher.Mr WhittleNAPLAN Coordinator
Australian Early Development Census
Playing our part to build a national picture of child health
In early 2021, our school, along with thousands of others across the country will begin preparations for the fifth Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).
The AEDC gives us a national picture of the development, health and wellbeing of children in their first year of full-time school. Since 2009, the census results have helped communities, schools and governments plan services and develop better policies to target support for children and families.
Children don’t miss any class time, and parents/carers don’t need to supply schools with any new information for the census. The AEDC gives us data at a school and community level - it isn’t an assessment of individual children.
To find out more about the census and how communities are using the data to help children and families visit the AEDC website: www.aedc.gov.au.
A separate letter has been sent to all Kindergarten students and if you have any questions, you can contact Mrs Chrostowski via the office.
Diverse Learning in Catholic Schools
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT (CCSP) released a wonderful resource for parents and carers in late 2020.
The Supporting Diverse Learning in Catholic Schools - A Guide by Parents for Parents was developed to support and accompany families as they prepare their child for school, or for the transition from primary to secondary school. It offers practical ideas and advice from parents and carers who have 'been there and done that'. It includes areas such as 'Preparing the School for Your Child', communicating with the school, conversation starters for challenging topics, as well as practical ideas such as visuals board to help establish morning and evening routines once school has commenced.
complete guide can be found here
PB4L (Positive Behaviours For Learning)
Beginning last Term, we have been using a focused approach to positive behaviours in the classroom and on the playground. For Weeks One, Two and Three of this term our schoolwide focus is “Respectful Behaviours”. The students will revise the key elements of this daily with their class and discuss what this looks like around our school. Some key components of this are as follows:
- Maintaining eye contact with the person who is communicating with you
- Complying in a positive manner with the instructions given
- Showing Kindness
- Using manners
As the first and most important educators of your children we ask for your support by discussing this with your child(ren).
Notre Dame Practicum Students
St Pius X welcomes two 3rd Year Education students to our community this term as they continue their Primary Teaching Journey. Mr Angus Chadwick will be working with Year 3 under the guidance of Ms Maguire while Miss Christina Dominis is working with Mrs Hertsch with our wonderful Kinder Red class.
These teacher education students will be with us until Friday 4th of June. We wish them all the best throughout this time and look forward to watching them develop their skills as teachers.
Coming Up in May: The Month of Mary
The month of May is dedicated to The Blessed Virgin Mary. The first 23 days fall within the liturgical season of Easter , which is represented by the liturgical colour white — the colour of light, a symbol of joy, purity and innocence.
The remainder of the month (beginning the Monday after Pentecost) is in Ordinary Time which is represented by the liturgical colour green. This symbol of hope is the colour of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection.
Through the month of May students of St Pius X will dedicate a decade of the rosary to Mary. Primary students will learn the mysteries of the rosary along with praying a decade every Friday whereas our infants students will learn the key prayers of this prayer form and recite them each Friday. This dedication will take place within Religious Education lessons. All members of the community are invited to participate in personal prayer and reflection prayer throughout this month long dedication to honour our blessed Mary, Mother of Jesus.
Term 2 Stage Masses
Throughout Term 2 students of St Pius X will continue to attend mass with Fr Duane on site within our school hall. This decision has been made in consultation with Fr Duane as a result of many facets. This unique opportunity allows for students to participate in a rich liturgical and educational experience with Fr Duane leading them through each part of the mass. Masses will continue to be students only at this point, with a review forthcoming at the end of the term. We are very thankful to Fr Duane for supporting the spiritual formation of our students in this way and are fortunate to be blessed with his time as we appreciate how full his schedule is.
Sacramental Programs
Reminder:
Sacrament of Reconcilliation Parent Information Night - 7pm, Wednesday 5th May at Immaculate Conception Church.
A parent representative must be in attendance for your child to receive the Sacrament in week 5, 19th may.
Visits with Sr Kerry
Students from K-2 engaged with Sr Kerry throughout Term 1 for ‘storytelling’ experiences, where Sr Kerry would come on site and share a parable story and break open its meaning with the students. Primary students had the opportunity during the Feast of St Joseph to hear all about the life of Sr Kerry - what a wonderful life full of exciting adventures it has been so far! We are very fortunate that Sr Kerry has agreed to continue to work in partnership with our school community and join our students again throughout Term 2. Year 3 will visit the church for an educational experience with Sr Kerry prior to making their Sacrament of Reconciliation later this term. Please be sure to ask your child if they have had a visit from Sr Kerry as the term continues. We feel very fortunate and blessed to have our visits with Sr Kerry.
Mother’s Day Breakfast
Where would we be without our wonderful Mums and Grandmothers?
Wednesday 5th May from 8 am - 9.30 am is an opportunity for the community of St Pius X to say THANK YOU to all of our fabulous Mums and Grandmothers by sharing in a celebratory breakfast spread.
After the morning school bell, visitors are invited to spend some time in classrooms for a small activity.
Please be sure to return the RSVP slip at the bottom of the pink note that was sent home. We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible!
Working Bee
On Friday 14th may, there will be a TWILIGHT WORKING BEE & SAUSAGE SIZZLE on school grounds. The event will commence at 3.30 pm and finish at 5.30 pm. Many hands make light work so we are hoping to see many of our wonderful existing families along with welcoming our new families to join together for the benefit of our whole school community. For catering purposes please complete the RSVP slip at the bottom of the note that was recently sent home.
Please find attached the Canteen Roster for the remainder of 2021
We still require a few volunteers for Week FOUR each month if you are available.
Parish News
Dear friends,
There is much to pray for, and give thanks for, this weekend.
Being the Fourth Sunday of Easter, it is “Good Shepherd Sunday”, and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations – a chance to give thanks to God for calling each one of us to follow Jesus in our lives, to renew our commitment to our specific vocations, and pray for and support those still discerning theirs.
Last Sunday was ANZAC Day, which always occurs in the Easter Season, and gave us an opportunity to remember the ANZACs and all those who have given their lives in defence of our nation with prayerful gratitude, commending them to the risen Lord, and to pray for His peace for our troubled world.
Please see attached:
- The Sunday Bulletin
- Message from me as Diocesan Vocations Director
- Message from Pope Francis for World Day of Prayer for Vocations
May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, bless you and guide you this coming week and always.
Fr Duane Fernandez
Parish Priest
Immaculate Conception and St Therese Parishes